Comparison of Dual Task Performance in Young Adults, Middle Aged Adults and Geriatric Population

Introduction Dual-task performance is defined as simultaneous execution of primary and a secondary task. The dual task performance is associated with functionality and it becomes more complex with age. The purpose of the study was to compare dual task performance of various age groups. Method Forty-five individuals were divided in three groups depending upon their age. Group A consisted of individuals of 20-40 years, group B consisted of 41-65 years and group C consisted of adults 65 years and above. Individuals having cognitive decline and known case of Alzheimers stroke or Parkinsonism or those with visual impairment were excluded from the study. Each individual was made to walk for 3 minutes. Their speed was calculated. They were then made to walk again for 3 minutes at self-selected speed and questions were asked while they were walking the second time. The difference in their speeds of the two sessions was calculated. Results The mean difference in speed while walking and dual tasking in Group A was 0.15+0.14 m/s, Group B was 0.17+0.33 m/s for Group C was 0.37+0.07 m/s. Using Kruskal Wallis test there was significant difference (Kw= 8.87, p= 0.012) in speed of walking while single task and dual tasking between the three groups. Post hoc analysis showed difference between groups A and C and A and B to be significant (p=0.019, 0.03 respectively) Conclusion There is difference in ability to perform dual tasks between young adults, middle aged adults and older adults.