Article

This study investigated the effects of regular exercise and dual tasking on
bilateral spatial and temporal parameters of obstacle negotiation in elderly
women. Sedentary (n=12) and physically active (n=12) elderly women volunteered to
participate in this study. Gait kinematics were recorded during obstacle crossing
when performing a dual task and when not performing a dual task. Physically
active participants crossed obstacles more safely, in terms
of clearance or distance to or over the obstacle, both with and without dual tasking, and usually
for both lead and trail legs. Performing the dual task increased toe distance,
and decreased heel distance and gait speed in the active participants, and
increased toe clearance and heel distance, and decreased gait speed in the
sedentary participants. Differences between preferred and non-preferred leg were
accentuated for toe clearance in the lead limb.
These results suggest that
specialized exercises may not be needed for improvement in obstacle avoidance
skills in the elderly, and participation in multi-activities, including aerobic
exercises, may be sufficient.
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Langue : ANGLAIS