O desempenho da dupla tarefa na Doença de Parkinson

Abstract

Introduction: A capacity to perform two tasks at the same time is a prerequisite for an individual to have a normal life. Under normal circumstances, performing motor and cognitive tasks concomitantly is common. Objective: The aim of this study was investigate the motor-cognitive dual task performance in Parkinson's disease patients. Method: Two groups were studied. One group was composed by 10 healthy individuals and the other by 10 patients with a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. In both groups, the ages were between 47 and 75 years and the individuals were paired in relation to gender and age. They were asked to put on a button-up shirt as fast as possible as a single task and also while saying girls' names in random order (dual task). Each task was repeated three times. The movement time and errors committed were analyzed. Results: The patients took more time to complete both tasks (p= 0.006) in relation to the healthy group. Both groups committed more errors in the dual task (p= 0.03). There was a reduction in the movement time with the repetition of the task (p= 0.039) for both groups. Conclusion: These results suggest that individuals with Parkinson's disease present a loss in motor performance in relation to healthy individuals. However, the cost of performing the task is independent of motor-cognitive interference and the possibility of performance's improvement with practice is real.

Dual task performance: a comparison between healthy elderly individuals and those with Parkinson’s disease

“…The participants with PD took longer to perform dual tasks when compared to healthy individuals in the same age range. This finding corroborates the findings reported by the study performed by Teixeira and Alouche (26), in which individuals with PD also performed worse than the control group when asked to perform a dual task, with the group of healthy individuals. Gait is a rhythmic and automatized action, i.e., mainly managed by subcortical systems, and, therefore, performed without attention focus.…”

“…A walk, for instance, enables communication between people, answering a mobile phone, or transporting objects from one place to another, among other possibilities. In normal circumstances, the simultaneous performance of cognitive and motor tasks occurs automatically; however, when there is cognitive and/or motor control impairment, greater attention is required, which may compromise the performance of both tasks (1,2).…”

Effects of dual-task interventions on gait performance of patients with Parkinson’s Disease: A systematic review

“…Under normal circumstances, concomitantly performing motor and cognitive tasks is common, as motor activities are almost "automatically" performed and do not require conscious attentional resources. 5 Dual-task (DT) performance is also known as simultaneous performance as it implies the primary execution of a task which is the main focus of attention and a second task, which is completed at the same time. Simultaneous performance of cognitive and motor tasks during walking tipically changes gait patterns.…”

“…Simultaneous performance of cognitive and motor tasks during walking tipically changes gait patterns. 5 Some studies have demonstrated that PD patients have impaired equilibrium and gait in DT conditions when compared to age-matched controls. 7,8 The interference of DT on PD is frequently associated with reduced gait speed as well as step asymmetry, variability and length.…”

Impact of Dual Task on Parkinson's Disease, Stroke and Ataxia Patients' Gait: A Comparative Analysis

“…In normally circumstances, carrying out motor and cognitive tasks is common, and the ability of the subjects for performing both tasks at the same time is a pre requirement to a normal lif (Teixeira & Alouche, 2007).…”