Effects of dichotic listening on gait domains of healthy older adults during dual-tasking: An exploratory observational study

Identification of the cognitive mechanisms behind gait changes in aging is a prime endeavor gerontology and geriatrics. For this reason, we have implemented new dual-task paradigm where an auditory attentional task performed during over-ground walking. Dichotic listening assesses spontaneous attention voluntary directed to right left-ear. The uniqueness dichotic relies on its requirements that vary difficulty recruitment resources from whole brain one hemisphere. When used dual-tasking, asymmetric effects certain parameters been reported. present study aims acquire more global understanding how affects domains. Specifically, aimed understand vs lateralized altered Principal Component Analysis (PCA) structure healthy older adults. Seventy-eight adults (mean age: 71.1 years; 44 women 34 men) underwent Bergen test while As only focuses gait, costs for were calculated entered into PCA analyses. We explored bilateral (i.e., both limbs together) as well (i.e, separate by limb). first established domains single-task Then, cost scores series PCAs. Results PCAs showed limited alterations structure. In contrast, data demonstrated modifications listening. corresponding all conditions different factor solutions ranging between 4 6 factors explained 73.8% 80% total variance. whole, had impact “pace”, “pace variability” “base support condition, six-factor solution explaining 78.3% variance asymmetrical disruptions was focused right-ear, five-factor 89% similar baseline found. left-ear, four-factor found with symmetrical factors. These findings demonstrate time specific facets control symmetrically asymmetrically