Article

Gait-related dual task tests have been used to assess differences between fallers
and non-fallers, without a thorough assessment of reliability. This study
investigated the test-retest reliability of eight gait-related dual and one
triple task tests in forty-four community-dwelling older adults (twenty with and
twenty-four without a history of falls). The reliability of single, dual and
change in performance (percentage change) from single to dual task conditions was
assessed. The results showed that single and dual task walking time had fair to
excellent reliability (ICC=0.53-0.92) across tasks. The percentage change in
walking time (dual-task decrement) showed only poor to good reliability
(ICC=-0.11 to 0.75). Cognitive task performance speed and accuracy showed poor to
good reliability in single and dual task conditions (ICC=-0.16 to 0.83). The
difference between the two conditions in speed and accuracy showed poor to fair
reliability (ICC=-0.40 to 0.51). A secondary motor task (carrying a cup of water)
ranged from slightly to moderately reliable in dual task conditions and when
change in performance was measured (kappa=0.18-0.57). This study showed that
simple dual task tests are reliable in the single and dual conditions but
measures of change in performance, which are recommended for dual task
assessment, are less reliable and is something which needs to be considered in
future research. Of the nine examined, only one test, the walking while talking
test, showed good reliability on primary and secondary tasks.
CI - Copyright (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS