Effects of regular exercise and dual tasking on spatial and temporal parameters of obstacle negotiation in elderly women

- We examined the benefits of active lifestyle with respect to fall-risk behaviour.
- Active lifestyle in elderly improves obstacle crossing both with and without a DT.
- Dual-task (DT) increased asymmetries in sedentary elderly compared to the active.
- Effects of active lifestyle were more substantial to the non-preferred leg.
- Specialized exercises may not be needed to obtain improvement in obstacle avoidance.

This study investigated the effects of regular exercise and dual tasking on bilateral spatial and temporal parameters of obstacle negotiation in elderly women. Sedentary (n = 12) and physically active (n = 12) elderly women volunteered to participate in this study. Gait kinematics were recorded during obstacle crossing when performing a dual task and when not performing a dual task. Physically active participants crossed obstacles more safely, in terms of clearance or distance to or over the obstacle, both with and without dual tasking, and usually for both lead and trail legs. Performing the dual task increased toe distance, and decreased heel distance and gait speed in the active participants, and increased toe clearance and heel distance, and decreased gait speed in the sedentary participants. Differences between preferred and non-preferred leg were accentuated for toe clearance in the lead limb. These results suggest that specialized exercises may not be needed for improvement in obstacle avoidance skills in the elderly, and participation in multi-activities, including aerobic exercises, may be sufficient.