The influence of a dual task on the termination on gait by healthy adults

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the influence of a dual task (DT) on gait termination. [Subjects] The subjects were fifteen healthy adults. [Methods] Using a 3D motion capture system, the gait termination at the end of an 8-m walkway, after walking at a comfortable speed, was measured under a single task (ST) condition, and with the addition of a cognitive task, the DT condition. The stopping time and stopping distance of the deceleration period were measured. [Results] The stopping time was significantly prolonged in the DT condition, but the stopping distance was not different between the conditions. [Conclusion] The results suggest the need to evaluate and practice gait termination under a DT condition.