Aging-related decrements during specific phases of the dual-task Timed Up-and-Go test

Abstract

BackgroundIt is unclear how young and older adults modulate dual-task mobility under changing postural challenges.AimTo examine age-related changes in dual-task processing during specific phases of dual-task Timed Up-and-Go (TUGdual-task).MethodHealthy young and older adults performed the Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) with the following dual-task conditions: (1) serial-three subtractions, (2) carrying cup of water, (3) combined subtraction and carrying water, and (4) dialing cell phone. The primary outcome was the dual-task cost on performance of TUG (percent change from single-to dual-task) based on duration and peak trunk velocity of each phase: (a) straight-walk, (b) sit-to-stand, (c) turn, (d) turn-to-sit. Mixed-design univariate analysis of variance was performed for each type of task.ResultsOlder adults had more pronounced mobility decrements than young adults during straight-ahead walking and turns when the secondary task engaged both cognitive and manual modalities. Simple cognitive or manual tasks during TUGdual-task did not differentiate young from older participants. Subtraction performance during simple and complex cognitive conditions differed by phase of the TUG. Manual task performance of carrying water did not vary by phase or age.DiscussionOur findings suggest that dual-task processing is dynamic across phases of TUGdual-task. Aging-related dual-task decrements are demonstrated during straight-ahead walking and turning, particularly when the secondary task is more complex.ConclusionOlder adults are susceptible to reduced dual-task mobility during straight-ahead walking and turning particularly when attentional loading was increased.

The Performance Index Identifies Changes Across the Dual Task Timed Up and Go Test Phases and Impacts Task-Cost Estimation in the Oldest-Old

“…The act of turning requires higher levels of motor control than linear walking and involves coordinating visual inputs, spatial memory/direction sense, environmental recognition, and biomechanical adjustments ( Herman et al, 2011 ; Shin and Yoo, 2015 ; Mellone et al, 2016 ). Consequently, our findings may indicate that the higher cognitive load during the turn movement may have inhibited the focus on the cognitive replies due to the priority given to the motor task ( Li et al, 2012 ; Porciuncula et al, 2016 ). Interestingly, weighting the accuracy of the cognitive replies in the walk 2 phase did not impact the P-index values, probably because the respondence rate of the cognitive replies was low.…”

The benefits of Tai Chi and brisk walking for cognitive function and fitness in older adults

“…The timed up-and-go (TUG) test was used to evaluate dynamic balance ability ( Clark et al, 2010 ; Porciuncula, Rao & Mcisaac, 2016 ). The participants were given verbal instructions to stand up from a seated position in a chair, walk a distance of 3 m as quickly and safely as possible, cross a mark on the floor, turn around, walk back to the chair and sit.…”

The interaction between cognition and motor control: A theoretical framework for dual-task interference effects on posture, gait initiation, gait and turning

“…However, as has already been seen for gait and posture, dual-task processing appears to depend on the type and complexity of the secondary task. Porciuncila et al (2016) studied interference effects in dual-task processing during specific phases of a dual-task timed up-and-go test in healthy younger and older adults [77]. The DTCs were calculated from the duration and peak trunk velocity of each phase.…”