A study of eye movement during dual-task walking in elderly individuals

[Purpose] Older adults are at higher risk of falling during dual-task walking; however, their eye movements during such time are unclear. Our previous studies measured eye movements during pseudo-walking (walking in place), with and without calculation tasks, to investigate the mechanisms of falls experienced by elderly individuals during dual-task walking. This study aimed to clarify whether eye movement during actual walking are similar to those during pseudo-walking obtained previously and examine the mechanism of falls during actual dual-task walking in elderly people. [Participants and Methods] Participants were 15 healthy older adults (four men, 11 women, mean age; 85.3 ± 5.8 years). A wireless eye movement-measuring device was used to measure eye movements during single-task walking without calculations, dual-task walking with calculations, and walking while consciously looking ahead. [Results] Eye movements during walking were similar to those observed during pseudo-walking. [Conclusion] During actual dual-task walking, the eyes move but are not focused on the forward visual field, increasing the risk of stumbling, a major cause of falls, and makes individuals more susceptible to falls.