Intraindividual variability in executive functions but not speed of processing or conflict resolution predicts performance differences in gait speed in older adults

The relationship between executive functions (EF) and gait speed is well established. However, with the exception of dual tasking, the key components of EF that predict differences in gait performance have not been determined. Therefore, the current study was designed to determine whether processing...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences Biological sciences and medical sciences, 2014-08, Vol.69 (8), p.980-986
Main Authors: Holtzer, Roee, Mahoney, Jeannette, Verghese, Joe
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Attention - physiology
Biomechanics
Cognition & reasoning
Cognition - physiology
Cohort Studies
Executive Function - physiology
Female
Gait - physiology
Geriatric Assessment
Human performance
Humans
Male
Movement
Older people
Problem Solving - physiology
Regression analysis
Task Performance and Analysis
Velocity
Walking - physiology
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Summary:The relationship between executive functions (EF) and gait speed is well established. However, with the exception of dual tasking, the key components of EF that predict differences in gait performance have not been determined. Therefore, the current study was designed to determine whether processing speed, conflict resolution, and intraindividual variability in EF predicted variance in gait performance in single- and dual-task conditions. Participants were 234 nondemented older adults (mean age 76.48 years; 55% women) enrolled in a community-based cohort study. Gait speed was assessed using an instrumented walkway during single- and dual-task conditions. The flanker task was used to assess EF. Results from the linear mixed effects model showed that (a) dual-task interference caused a significant dual-task cost in gait speed (estimate = 35.99; 95% CI = 33.19-38.80) and (b) of the cognitive predictors, only intraindividual variability was associated with gait speed (estimate = -.606; 95% CI = -1.11 to -.10). In unadjusted analyses, the three EF measures were related to gait speed in single- and dual-task conditions. However, in fully adjusted linear regression analysis, only intraindividual variability predicted performance differences in gait speed during dual tasking (B = -.901; 95% CI = -1.557 to -.245). Among the three EF measures assessed, intraindividual variability but not speed of processing or conflict resolution predicted performance differences in gait speed.
ISSN:1079-5006
1758-535X
DOI:10.1093/gerona/glt180