Why does older adults' balance become less stable when walking and performing a secondary task? Examination of attentional switching abilities

• Main Authors: Hawkes,T.D., Siu,K., Silsupadol,P., Woollacott,M.H.
• Format: Article
• Published: Elsevier 2015
• Subjects: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine; Medicine (all); Rehabilitation; Biophysics
• Online Access: http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?partnerID=HzOxMe3b&scp=84855977638&origin=inward; http://cmuir.cmu.ac.th/handle/6653943832/38094
• Institution: Chiang Mai University

Previous research using dual-task paradigms indicates balance-impaired older adults (BIOAs) are less able to flexibly shift attentional focus between a cognitive and motor task than healthy older adults (HOA). Shifting attention is a component of executive function. Task switch tests assess executiv...