Mobility and dual task in healthy and neurological impaired older adults: cross-sectional study

Abstract

Purpose: compare the association between performance during the execution of dual tasks with cognitive function, mobility and clinical aspects and to present a proposal for a dual task evaluation on postural control in elderly participants. Materials and methods: Study cross-sectional. The participants were allocated into groups: healthy elderly group, individuals in the mild cognitive impairment group and individuals with Parkinson's disease. Motor evaluation was performed through the Foot Eight Walking and Timed Up and Go tests. Results: The Mild Cognitive Impairment Group presented a greater increase in time during the cognitive and motor tasks in Foot Eight Walking. For the cognitive Timed Up and Go, the Mild Cognitive Impairment Group presented longer times than the other groups, whereas the motor and simple Timed Up and Go required a longer time by the Parkinson's Disease Group. Conclusions: The nonrectilinear lane mobility test was useful as an evaluation method for the elderly participants and the strong correlation with already established mobility instruments is also highlighted.