2016 Volume 6 Issue 3 Pages 127-131
This study aimed to clarify the influences of a dual-task on elderly community residentsʼgait parameter values. The gait parameter values of 35 elderly females were compared between single-task (ST: walking as usual) and dual-task (DT: walking while performing a mental calculation) walking. The gait velocity, cadence, and step and stride lengths were markedly reduced with significant increases in the durationsofthestance phase and double-support when performing DT compared with ST. On examiningtheir percentages, the step and stride lengths decreased to 89.9 and 90.9%, respectively, while the durations of the stance phase and double-support increased to 166.6 and 200.0%, respectively. There were no significant differences in the step width or toe angle. Based on the results, decreases in the cadence and step and stride lengths, as well as increases in the durations of the stance phase and double-support, may influence the gait velocity when performing DT, and the latter may be associated particularly closely with a reduced gait velocity.
