Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Brain Activity Associated With Dual-Task Performance Of Ankle Motor Control During Cognitive Challenge., Sue Peters, Janice J Eng, Teresa Liu-Ambrose, Michael R Borich, Elizabeth Dao, Ameen Amanian, Lara A Boyd

Physical Therapy Publications

INTRODUCTION: Skilled Ankle motor control is frequently required while performing secondary cognitively demanding tasks such as socializing and avoiding obstacles while walking, termed "Dual tasking." It is likely that Dual-task performance increases demand on the brain, as both motor and cognitive systems require neural resources. The purpose of this study was to use functional MRI to understand which brain regions are involved in resolving Dual-task interference created by requiring high levels of Ankle motor control during a cognitive task.

METHODS: Using functional MRI, brain activity was measured in sixteen young adults during performance of visually cued Ankle plantar flexion to …

Effect Of Learning To Use A Mobility Aid On Gait And Cognitive Demands In People With Mild To Moderate Alzheimer's Disease: Part I - Cane, Susan W. Hunter, Alison Divine, Humberto Omana, Walter Wittich, Keith D Hill, Andrew M Johnson, Jeffrey D Holmes

Physical Therapy Publications

BACKGROUND: People with Alzheimer's disease (AD) exhibit balance and walking impairments that increase falls risk. Prescription of a mobility aid is done to improve stability, yet also requires increased cognitive resources. Single-point canes require unique motor sequencing for safe use. The effect of learning to use a single-point cane has not been evaluated in people with AD.

OBJECTIVES: In people with AD and healthy adult controls: 1) examine changes in gait while using a cane under various walking conditions; and 2) determine the cognitive and gait costs associated with concurrent cane walking while multi-tasking.

METHODS: Seventeen participants with AD (age …

Cognition Predicts Mobility Change In Lower Extremity Amputees Between Discharge From Rehabilitation And 4-Month Follow-Up: A Prospective Cohort Study., Susan W. Hunter, Pavlos Bobos, Courtney Frengopoulos, Austin Macpherson, Ricardo Viana, Michael W Payne

Physical Therapy Publications

OBJECTIVES: To assess (1) the effect of task (single and dual task), time (discharge and 4mo), and their interaction for mobility; (2) task prioritization during dual-task testing; and (3) the association between cognition on change in mobility between discharge from rehabilitation and 4 months' follow-up.

DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.

SETTING: Rehabilitation hospital.

PARTICIPANTS: People with lower extremity amputations (N=22) were consecutively recruited at discharge from an inpatient prosthetic rehabilitation program.

INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Gait velocity and the L Test of Functional Mobility, single and dual task (serial subtractions by 3), were the primary outcomes. Montreal Cognitive Assessment …

Effect Of Learning To Use A Mobility Aid On Gait And Cognitive Demands In People With Mild To Moderate Alzheimer's Disease: Part Ii - 4-Wheeled Walker., Susan W. Hunter, Alison Divine, Humberto Omana, Walter Wittich, Keith D Hill, Andrew M Johnson, Jeffrey D Holmes

Physical Therapy Publications

BACKGROUND: Cognitive deficits and gait problems are common and progressive in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Prescription of a 4-wheeled walker is a common intervention to improve stability and independence, yet can be associated with an increased falls risk.

OBJECTIVES: 1) To examine changes in spatial-temporal gait parameters while using a 4-wheeled walker under different walking conditions, and 2) to determine the cognitive and gait task costs of walking with the aid in adults with AD and healthy older adults.

METHODS: Twenty participants with AD (age 79.1±7.1 years) and 22 controls (age 68.5±10.7 years) walked using a 4-wheeled walker in a straight …