Article

The effects of dual-task constraints on bimanual coordination and walking in
three age groups: young (4-6 years old), middle (7-9 years old), and older groups
(10-13 years old) were examined. Children were asked to first walk along a path
(baseline condition) and then to walk along the same path while carrying a box
steady and level (dual-task condition). The young group showed less bimanual
coordination with less level and more variable normalized vertical box
positioning (mean hand differences, young: 3.68%, middle: 2.42%, older: 1.61%),
less correlated hand movements (mean correlation, young: r(8)=0.58, middle:
r(8)=0.77, older: r(8)=0.79), and more elbow and shoulder joint excursion on the
dominant side (all Ps<0.05). In addition, the young group had shorter stride
lengths and less normalized anterior/posterior ground reaction forces under the
dual-task condition than the baseline condition (all Ps<0.05). These findings
indicate that 4- to 6-year-old children might still be developing their ability
to perform activities requiring dual-task constraints that involve simultaneous
use of the upper and lower extremities.
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Langue : ANGLAIS