The Relationship Between Spatio-temporal Gait Parameters and Cognitive Function: Protocol for a Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

BackgroundMotor dysfunctions, such as slower walking speed, precede the occurrence of dementia and mild cognitive impairment, suggesting that walking parameters may be effective biomarkers for detecting early sub-clinical cognitive risk. In fact, while our preliminary study had a small sample, we found several walking parameters obtained by three-dimensional motion capture system, to be correlated with computer-based assessments of various cognitive function modalities. The Cognitive-Gait (CoGait) Database Project, described in the current protocol, aims to establish a database of multi-dimensional walking and cognitive performance data, collected from a large sample of healthy participants, crucial for detecting early sub-clinical cognitive risk. Methods: The study will recruit healthy volunteers, 20 years or older, without any neurological or musculoskeletal disorders. The estimated sample size is 450 participants, including a 10% attrition rate. Using computer-based cognitive assessments, all participants will perform six tasks: (i) the simple reaction time task, (ii) Go/No-Go task, (iii) Stroop Color–Word Test, (iv) N-back test, (v) Trail making test, and (vi) Digit Span test. Gait will be measured through joint kinematics and global positioning in participants’ lower legs, using pants with an inertial measurement unit-based three-dimensional motion capture system, while walking at a comfortable and faster pace. Finally, we will establish a prediction model for various cognitive performance modalities, based on walking performance. Discussion: This will be the first study to reveal the relationship between walking and cognitive performance using multi-dimensional data collected from a large sample of healthy adults, from the general population. Although there are several methodological limitations, such as accuracy of measurements, the CoGait database is expected to be the standard value for both walking and cognitive functions, supporting the evaluation of psychomotor function in early sub-clinical cognitive risk, including motoric-cognitive risk syndrome.Trial registration: None.