Factors influencing gait performance in older adults in a dual-task paradigm

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of cognitive interference through a dual-task (DT) paradigm on gait parameters by sex or other predictive variables, such as physical fitness, health status, and cognition. A total of 125 older adults joined in this study (age, 72.42 ± 5.56 years old; 28 men and 97 women). The DT paradigm was evaluated through Comfortable Linear Gait (CLG) and Complex Gait Test (CGT). The gait parameters between single task (ST) vs. DT condition in men showed a significant reduction in speed (p < 0.001), cadence (p < 0.001), and step length (p = 0.049) and increased time to execute the CGT (p < 0.001), while women showed a decreased speed (p = 0.014), cadence (p < 0.001), and double support coefficient variation (CV) (p = 0.024) and increased single support time (p < 0.001) and CV step length (p < 0.05). In addition, women increased CGT time (p < 0.001). Furthermore, correlations between DT cost (DTC) cadence vs. Physical Activity for Elderly questionnaire (PASE) (r =  − 0.399; p = 0.008), DTC single support vs. 30 s Sit to Stand Test (r = − 0.356; 0.016), DTC single support vs. Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test-Learning curve (r =  − 0.335; p = 0.023), DTC double support vs. 30 s Sit to Stand Test (r =  − 0.590; p < 0.001), DTC CV step length vs. 30 s Sit to Stand (r =  − 0.545; p = 0.003), and DTC CGT vs. 30 s Sit to Stand Test (r =  − 0.377; p = 0.048) were found. The results of our study indicate that the gait parameters within the DT condition decreased speed and cadence, while increasing CV step length and CGT time, causing slower gait with shortened steps in men and women.