Abstract:

Objective To investigate the relationship between gait parameters under dual-task condition and falls in old patients with vascular mild cognitive impairment (VaMCI).Methods From March to September, 2019, convenience sampling method was adopted to select 103 old patients with VaMCI. They were divided into falling group (n = 45) and non-falling group (n = 58), according to the situation of falling in the past one year. Both groups were surveyed general data, assessed with modified Barthel Index (MBI) and Timed “Up and Go” Test (TUGT), and collected gait parameters under dual-task condition. Results MBI score was significantly higher (t = 35.688, P <0.001), and the time of TUGT was shorter (t = 2.428, P <0.05) in the non-falling group than in the falling group. The speed, length, frequency, swing phase and ground impact were higher (t > 2.536, | Z| > 1.986, P < 0.05), and single step time and the stance phase were lower (| Z| > 2.440, P < 0.05) in the non-falling group than in the falling group. Speed, length, frequency and single step time were risk factors for falling ( P <0.05).Conclusion The characteristics of gait parameters under dual-task condition could reflect the walking ability of the old patients with VaMCI, suggesting the risk of fall, especially speed, length, frequency and single step time, which need to be measured and intervened in time.

Key words: cognitive impairment, dual task, aging, gait