Investigation of postural control and spatiotemporal parameters of gait during dual tasks in ataxic individuals.

BACKGROUND

Concurrent cognitive and motor tasks in ataxic individuals cause functional limitations and negatively affect the independence of patients in daily life.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to examine the effects of dual task on postural control and spatiotemporal parameters of gait in ataxic individuals.

METHODS

The study included 20 individuals with ataxia. Disease severity was evaluated using the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale. A force platform was used to evaluate postural sway and limits of stability and a GAITRite electronic walkway to evaluate the spatiotemporal parameters of gait. Postural control and gait were evaluated without a simultaneous task (task-1) and with dual tasks consisting of counting the names starting with "a selected letter such as A" (task-2), counting backwards aloud in threes from 100 (task-3), carrying a glass of water with a tray (task-4), and speaking on a mobile phone (task-5). The effects of dual task on postural control and gait parameters were examined with multiple comparisons.

RESULTS

The tasks requiring cognitive skills (tasks 2, 3, 5) were determined to have a greater effect on the increase of body sway, and gait was seen to be affected by motor and/or cognitive tasks (tasks 2, 4, 5).

CONCLUSION

From the results of the present study, it is thought that evaluations of postural control and gait performance of ataxic individuals together with the dual tasks they may encounter in daily life are important in terms of their independence in activities of daily living.