Investigation of Walking under Dual Task by Eye Tracking

Abstract

Tripping over which is one of the causes of falling is caused by lack of recognizing obstacles. Walking while performing cognitive and motor tasks (dual task walking) is also associated with increased risk of falling. The purpose of this study is to investigate gait parameters and gaze durations during normal and dual task walking conditions, and suggest a guideline for prevention of falling includmg the remainder system based on risk prediction. Six young adults participated in this study. Gait performance was measured under three different conditions: (1) normal walking (single task); (2) walking with performing mental arithnmetic (nmental arithnmetic task); (3) walking with carrying a cup of water (cup task). These double tasks were performed to imitate mental and physical attention-deficit condition in daily life. The 3D motion of walking was recorded together with eye tracking. From the results of motion analysis, gait velocity, step length and cadence decreased in mental arithmetic task, whereas gait velocity, vertical motion of hip joint and step length decreased in cup task. From the results of eye tracking, gaze duration of area which gives information for safety walking decreased in dual task conditions. In addition, gait parameters and gaze durations in dual task conditions were correlated with sensory scores about difficulty levels of additional tasks and about tripping over in daily life. These results suggested that cognitive and motor tasks during walking may place people at a greater risk of falling.