Parkinson’s gait kinematics deteriorates across multiple cognitive domains under dual-task paradigms

Abstract Objective The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) in many circumstances lead to gait dysfunction which contribute to decreased mobility, reduced quality of life, and increased risk of falling. Dual-task conditions have been shown to amplify gait dysfunction from a spatiotemporal parameter standpoint; however, less is known regarding gait joint kinematics under dual-task conditions in PD, specifically across multiple cognitive domains. The purpose of this project was to systematically characterize lower extremity joint kinematics in individuals with mild-moderate PD under dual-task paradigms across multiple cognitive domains. Patients and Methods Twenty-three individuals with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease participated in this observational study evaluating hip, knee, and ankle joint kinematics while walking on a self-paced treadmill under dual-task conditions that taxed memory, attention, verbal fluency, and information processing. Results Gait velocity and range of motion at the ankle, knee, and hip decreased (p  Conclusion The worsening of gait kinematics under dual-task conditions regardless of the aspect of cognition being challenged suggest that information processing and motor output are unable to withstand dual-task loads without consequence. These study results provide insight for target areas to focus on during therapeutic interventions in order to help minimize gait kinematic decrements observed under dual-task conditions.