Factors Influencing Gait Performance: Comfortable Linear Gait and Complex Gait in School-Aged Children in a Dual-Task Model.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of cognitive interference by using the Dual-Task (DT) paradigm on gait parameters according to sex, and age. Additionally, we aim to explore the relationship between Dual-Task-Cost (DTC), physical fitness, cognitive functioning, and weight status in schoolchildren. One hundred schoolchildren participated in this study (age = 8.83 ± 1.82 years). They were randomly assigned to Comfortable Linear Gait (CLG: gait in a straight path) or Complex Gait (CG: gait over obstacles) with and without interference. For CLG, boys and girls showed a reduction in gait speed (p < 0.001), cadence (p < 0.01), and step length (p < 0.001). In addition, double support time (p < 0.05) and cadence coefficient of variance (boys= p < 0.01; girls= p < 0.05) increased in the DT condition. In the CG, both sexes (p < 0.001) exhibited a worse execution time. There were significant effects on speed DTC between 8-9 vs. 10-11 years in CLG and 6-7 vs. 10-11 years in CGT (p < 0.05). In conclusion, gait parameters during CLG and CG are modified in the DT condition, resulting in a slower gait with shorter steps, regardless of age and sex. DTC is associated with physical fitness and cognitive function.