Effects of a dual-task paradigm on tandem gait performance

Author

Courtney Angela PerryFollow

Graduation Date

Fall 2021

Document Type

Thesis

Program

Master of Science degree with a major in Kinesiology, option Exercise Science

Committee Chair Name

Justus Ortega, PhD

Committee Chair Affiliation

HSU Faculty or Staff

Second Committee Member Name

David Adams, PhD

Second Committee Member Affiliation

HSU Faculty or Staff

Third Committee Member Name

Elizabeth Larson

Third Committee Member Affiliation

HSU Faculty or Staff

Keywords

Tandem gait, Concussion, Dual-task, Cognitive, Motor control, Neurocognitive

Subject Categories

Kinesiology

Abstract

In concussion management, a variety of cognitive and motor control tests, like the tandem gait, have been used for assessing the presence of a concussion injury at the sideline and through recovery. More recently, research suggests that introducing a secondary cognitive retention task during tandem gait (i.e., dual task) may provide a better assessment of concussion. The purpose of this study was to determine if a tandem gait test paired with a 6-digit retention is a valid and reliable tool. Participants completed three trials of both the single-task (ST) and dual-task (DT) tandem gait tests, and their average (MEAN) and fastest (BEST) completion times of both conditions were recorded. Seventy-five healthy collegiate athletes (age: 20.1 ± 1.8 years) performed the DT slower than the ST for both MEAN and BEST times (p < .001). Trial 3 was significantly faster than Trial 1 for both ST and DT (p < .001), but still showed high reliability across the three trials. Concussion history did not have a significant effect on DT MEAN or BEST times, but gender had a moderate effect on DT BEST times. The DT was found to have low correlations to SWAY’s balance and reaction time tests, and the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing visual motor composite. Preliminary data has shown that the DT may be a reliable and valid tool for assessing the interaction between balance and cognition in uninjured athletes, however application for concussed individuals needs to be explored before full implementation into concussion management protocols.

Citation Style

APA 7th Edition

Recommended Citation

Perry, Courtney Angela, "Effects of a dual-task paradigm on tandem gait performance" (2021). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 523.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/523