Abstract
[Purpose] To determine the relationship between a decline in walking speed under a dual-task (DT) condition and attentional function. [Subjects] We studied 23 frail, elderly community dwellers requiring support to nursing care level 1. [Methods] We analyzed relationships between the trail-making test (TMT) part A/B (TMT-A, TMT-B), which is an assessment of attentional function, and ΔTMT by calculating the difference (Δ) in walking speed between single-task (ST) and DT conditions. [Results] Difference in walking speed positively correlated with TMT-B and ΔTMT, but not with TMT-A. [Conclusion] The decline in the walking speed of frail elderly individuals under DT conditions is closely associated with attentional function, especially divided attention.
