title: Reciprocal influence of concurrent walking and cognitive testing on performance in older adults.
abstract: This study investigated how cognitive and walking performance are influenced when performed concurrently in older adults and what factors are associated with poorer dual-task responses. Using a dual-task study design, 217 subjects aged 74-85 years completed three information processing test conditions--(1) no test; (2) push-button simple reaction-time; and (3) visual-spatial decision reaction-time; and three walking test conditions--(1) seated; (2) walking over a 20m straight course; and (3) walking over 20m with a turn. Push-button and visual-spatial reaction-times increased approximately 21% and 6%, respectively, while walking compared to sitting (p<0.008). Reaction-time tests had a relatively weak impact on walking-time. Poorer dual-task walking-time responses correlated with slower walking velocity and weaker muscle strength (p< or =.062). Findings suggest that walking requires significant cognitive resources among older adults and slower-walking adults and weaker adults may require higher cognitive loading while walking.
authors.affiliation: University of Pittsburgh, 130 DeSoto Street, Parran 509, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA. kaf24@pitt.edu
authors.forename: Kimberly A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Faulkner
authors.forename: Mark S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Redfern
authors.forename: Caterina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rosano
authors.forename: Douglas P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Landsittel
authors.forename: Stephanie A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Studenski
authors.forename: Jane A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Cauley
authors.forename: Joseph M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Zmuda
authors.forename: Eleanor M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Simonsick
authors.forename: Stephen B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Kritchevsky
authors.forename: Anne B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Newman
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011930:Reaction Time; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*