The effect of gait speed and gait phase to the allocation of attention during dual task gait

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the change of allocation of attention caused by a difference in gait phase and gait speed. We also determined the relationship between attentional demand and gait automaticity change caused by the gait speed alteration. [Subjects and Methods] Ten male participated. Participants were instructed to perform the probe reaction time (RT) task during treadmill walking in four different gait speed conditions (60%, 80%, 100%, and 120% of preferred speed). Walking ratio in each gait speed conditions were calculated, and RTs and walking ratios were compared in each gait speed condition and in the single-support and double-support gait phase. [Results] RTs were significantly delayed with decline of gait speed. Walking ratio was significantly decreased in proportion of decrement of gait speed. There was no difference of gait phase between single-support and double-support phase. [Conclusion] This study showed that relationship between attentional load and deficit of gait automaticity. While gait phase didn’t influence attentional demand, and this result showed the characteristics of treadmill gait.

The Effect of Cognitive Task, Gait Speed, and Age on Cognitive–Motor Interference during Walking

“…This finding is in line with evidence from previous studies that performance on reaction time tasks is deteriorated by walking slowly. For instance, when verbally responding to an auditory cue, young adults showed increased reaction time at slower walking speeds [45][46][47]. The results can possibly be explained by the conflict in instructions between walking slowly on the gait speed task and responding quickly on the VMRT.…”