The relationship between attention and gait in aging: facts and fallacies

The current study critically assessed the relationship between cognitive functions and gait in nondemented older adults. Quantitative measures of gait (velocity, cadence, and a coefficient of variance in stride length) were assessed in single and dual-task conditions. Three cognitive factors capture...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Motor control 2012-01, Vol.16 (1), p.64-80
Main Authors: Holtzer, Roee, Wang, Cuiling, Verghese, Joe
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Aging - physiology
Attention - physiology
Cognition - physiology
Female
Gait
Gait - physiology
Humans
Male
Memory
Memory - physiology
Psychomotor Performance
Velocity
Walking
Walking - physiology
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Summary:The current study critically assessed the relationship between cognitive functions and gait in nondemented older adults. Quantitative measures of gait (velocity, cadence, and a coefficient of variance in stride length) were assessed in single and dual-task conditions. Three cognitive factors captured the domains of Executive Attention, Verbal IQ, and Memory. Linear regressions showed that Executive Attention was related to velocity in both walking conditions. However, Memory and Verbal IQ were also related to velocity. Memory was related to Cadence in both walking conditions. Executive Attention was related to the coefficient of variance in stride length in both walking conditions. Linear mixed effects models showed that dual-task costs were largest in velocity followed by cadence and the coefficient of variance in stride length. The relationship between cognitive functions and gait depends, in part, on the analytic approach used, gait parameters assessed, and walking condition.
ISSN:1087-1640
1543-2696
DOI:10.1123/mcj.16.1.64