Dual Task Performance in Community Dwelling Older Adults

The Relationship Between Cognitive and Motor Functions, and Dual Task Performance in Community Dwelling Older Adults: Gender Differences

Dual task performances may be impaired with the impairment in motor performance and cognitive functions due to aging. The aim of the present study is to investigate the gender differences in dual task performance. A total of 82 community dwelling older adults (41 males and 41 females) aged between 65 and 75 years were included in the study. Motor performance was evaluated with sit-to-stand test, the timed up and go test, 10 m walking test and cognitive functions were evaluated with Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test. Dual task performances were evaluated as motor-motor and cognitive-motor performance.

Inclusion Criteria:

• The individuals aged between 65 and 75 years, who agreed for participation, who received 8 or higher points from Hodkinson Mental test, who had no neurologic/orthopedic problems that could affect balance and walking, or communication problem were included in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• The individuals who were using 3 or more medications that could affect motor and cognitive functions, and the ones who could not complete the tests were excluded.