Abstract
Previous research using dual-task paradigms indicates balance-impaired older adults (BIOAs) are less able to flexibly shift attentional focus between a cognitive and motor task than healthy older adults (HOA). Shifting attention is a component of executive function. Task switch tests assess executive attention function. This multivariate study asked if BIOAs demonstrate greater task switching deficits than HOAs. A group of 39 HOA (65-80 years) and BIOA (65-87 years) subjects performed a visuo-spatial task switch. A sub-group of subjects performed a dual-task obstacle avoidance paradigm. All participants completed the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG). We assessed differences by group for: (1) visuo-spatial task switch reaction times (switch/no-switch), and performance on the BBS and TUG. Our balance groups differed significantly on BBS score (p<. .001) and switch reaction time (p= .032), but not the TUG. This confirmed our hypothesis that neuromuscular and executive attention function differs between these two groups. For our BIOA sub-group, gait velocity correlated negatively with performance on the switch condition (p= .036). This suggests that BIOA efficiency of attentional allocation in dual task settings should be further explored.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 159-163 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Gait and Posture |
Volume | 35 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 2012 |
Keywords
- Aging
- Balance-impairments
- Berg Balance Scale
- Executive function
- Visuo-spatial task switch paradigm
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biophysics
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
- Rehabilitation