Author:
Rosso Andrea L.,Baillargeon Emma M.,Perera Subashan,VanSwearingen Jessie,Rosano Caterina,Huppert Theodore J.,Brach Jennifer S.
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Higher prefrontal cortex (PFC) activation while walking may indicate reduced gait automaticity.
Aim
We examine whether PFC activation during walking improves after training in older adults at risk for mobility disability.
Methods
Forty-two adults aged ≥ 65 participated in a randomized clinical trial (NCT026637780) of a 12-week timing and coordination physical therapy intervention to improve walking (n = 20 intervention, n = 22 active control). PFC activation was measured by functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) during four walking tasks over 15 m, each repeated 4 times: even surface walking, uneven surface walking, even dual-task, uneven dual-task; dual-task was reciting every other letter of the alphabet while walking. Gait speed and rate of correct letter generation were recorded. Linear mixed models tested between arm differences in change of fNIRS, gait speed, and letter generation from baseline to follow-up (12-week, 24-week, and 36-week).
Results
Intervention arms were similar in mean age (74.3 vs. 77.0) and baseline gait speed (0.96 vs. 0.93 m/s). Of 24 comparisons of between arm differences in the fNIRS signals, only two were significant which were not supported by differences at other follow-up times or on other tasks. Gait speed, particularly during dual-task conditions, and correct letter generation did improve post-intervention but improvements did not differ by arm.
Discussion and Conclusions
After training, PFC activation during walking generally did not improve and did not differ by intervention arm. Improvements in gait speed without increased PFC activation may point toward more efficient neural control of walking.
Funder
National Institute on Aging
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Cited by
1 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献