31st Annual Student Research Conference
The Effect of Concussion on Gait During Single and Dual-Task Walking
Jensynn E. Kasper
Dr. Michael Bird, Faculty Mentor
Balance and gait testing done concurrently with secondary tasks have been shown to aid in concussion recovery. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of concussion on walking gait with and without a dual cognitive task. Fourteen participants (seven suffered a concussion within the past year and seven matched controls had never experienced a concussion) performed dual-task walking while playing a word game and single-task walking without the game. Preferred pace walking gait was collected with a 3D motion analysis system. Significant differences were not found between concussed and non-concussed subjects, although differences were present for walking speed, vertical COM displacement, step rate, and double support stance time between single and dual-task walking. This suggests a more conservative gait strategy during dual-task walking as compared to single task walking, but no influences from previous concussions.
Keywords: Gait, Concussion, single-task, dual-task, walking
Topic(s):Exercise Science
Athletic Training
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 106-4
Location: VH 1010
Time: 8:45