Key result
Dual-task walking significantly decreased prefrontal cortex oxygenation (ΔHbO2) compared to walking alone (0.028 µM vs 0.078 µM, p=0.047) in healthy older adults.
Why the study?
This study aimed to examine how older adults mitigate executive demands while walking during cognitively demanding tasks, as subtle changes in brain activation and behaviour may help identify individuals susceptible to executive function deficits.
Does dual-task walking compared to single-task walking alter prefrontal cortex hemodynamics and behavioural performance in healthy older adults?
Cross-Sectional (n=20)
No
Does dual-task walking compared to single-task walking alter prefrontal cortex hemodynamics and behavioural performance in healthy older adults?
Absolute Event Rate: 0.028% vs 0.078%
p-value: p=0.047
Healthy older adults mitigate executive demands during dual-task walking by shifting conscious attention away from walking, resulting in decreased prefrontal activation but declining cognitive performance.
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Supports automatic gait strategy during dual-task walking in healthy older adults; leaves open applicability to fall prevention or impaired populations.
Salzman et al. (2020) conducted a cross-sectional in Healthy older adults (n=20). Dual-task walking (walking while performing cognitive tasks) vs. Single-task (walking alone) was evaluated on Change in prefrontal cortex oxygenation (ΔHbO2) (p=0.047). Dual-task walking significantly decreased prefrontal cortex oxygenation (ΔHbO2) compared to walking alone (0.028 µM vs 0.078 µM, p=0.047) in healthy older adults.
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