The effects of cognitive training on gait speed and stride variability in old adults: findings from a pilot study

BACKGROUND: The interrelationship between gait performance and higher-order cognitive functions has been established through a number of different investigations. In turn, enabling gait by improving cognition is a new and emerging field of research. AIMS: Investigating if and to what extent a structured cognitive training program influences gait-related parameters in a sample of old and frail nursing home residents. METHODS: Twenty-one nursing home residents were quasi-randomized to an intervention group following a 6-week structured cognitive training program or a control group. Gait was investigated during normal pace and under two dual-task conditions (simple and complex dual-task walking conditions), using the GAITRite(®) system at three predefined time points (pre-intervention, post-intervention, 3-month follow-up). Outcome measures were gait speed and stride variabilities. RESULTS: Confirmation of the interrelationship between gait and cognition evidenced by decreased gait parameters during complex dual-task walking. Observation of clinical meaningful improvements in gait stability and gait speed after the training program under the complex dual-task situations, with only speed remaining stable over a period of 3 months. DISCUSSION: This study on the effects of cognitive training on gait is promising, with several results going in the expected direction. Our data corroborate previous findings and extend them to the group of frail old nursing home residents. CONCLUSIONS: The present pilot study’s approach of improving gait under challenging walking situations by interventions designed to improve cognitions adds encouraging results to this emerging field of research, although restrictions in sample size and in the control group prevent us from drawing firm conclusions.