Journal article
Poor performance in a test of selective attention, response inhibition and stepping is associated with falls in older people
Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, Vol.20(suppl. 1), pp.S186-S187
2012
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Abstract
<p>Background: Previous studies have shown that older fallers have poorer cognitive func-tion than non-fallers. We developed a test that combines stepping with selective attentionand response inhibition to provide a functional measure that reflects complex real life scenarios. We aimed to determine whether this test discriminates between older fallers and non-fallers.</p>
<p>Methods: 102 older adults (79.4±4.9years) without cognitive impairment (MMSE 28.9±1.1) completed an inhibitive step task (INHIB) using an exergame device. In the centre of a computer screen (58cm) an arrow was presented pointing in one of four directions (up, down, left, right). Inside the arrow was a written word indicating a different direction. In 20 trials, participants had to step according to the word and inhibit the response indicated by the arrow’s shape. Participants also underwent a range of tests of physical and functional performance (timed up & go (TUG), alternate step (AS), 5 Sit-to-Stand (5STS), choice stepping reaction time (CSRT)) and cognitive function (Color Word Stroop test (CW-Stroop), Trails A&B, digit symbol (DS). Participants who reported one or more fallsin the past 12 months were classified as fallers.</p>
<p>Results: Participants who took longer to complete INHIB had fewer correct items in the CW-Stroop test (r = -0.337) and performed poorly in the other cognitive tests. (DS r = -0.393, Trails A r = 0.344, Trails B r = 0.370). These participants also had worse functional performance (TUG r = -0.457, AS r = 0.480, 5STS r = 0.438, CSRT r = 0.620). Univariate logistic regression indicated that participants who performed poorly in the INHIB were at increased odds of falls (OR = 2.90 (1.12-7.49), p = 0.028) with an overall correct classification of 73%.</p>
<p>Conclusions: INHIB, a test that combines stepping with selective attention and response inhibition, was able distinguish fallers from non-fallers, providing further evidence for cognitive mechanisms on fall risk in older people.</p>
Details
- Title
- Poor performance in a test of selective attention, response inhibition and stepping is associated with falls in older people
- Creators
- Daniel Schoene - Neuroscience Research AustraliaStuart T Smith - Neuroscience Research AustraliaKim Delbaere - Neuroscience Research AustraliaStephen R Lord - Neuroscience Research Australia
- Publication Details
- Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, Vol.20(suppl. 1), pp.S186-S187
- Identifiers
- 1066; 991012820447202368
- Academic Unit
- Office of the Vice Chancellor
- Resource Type
- Journal article