Assessment of the Dynamic Gait Index with and without Cognitive Load in Elderly Non-fallers

Abstract Aims: Most of the rehabilitation assessments concentrate on a unidimensional approach which focuses on challenging and measuring either the executive function (cognitive) components of the task or on its motor components of fallers. This study aimed to assess dynamic balance tasks with and without cognitively load in elderly non-fallers. Methods: Totally 30 elderly participants with age of 65.57 ± 4.00 were included in the study. Non fallers were be screened with the help of Timed Up and Go – Cognitive test. After the screening, dynamic balance was assessed using Dynamic Gait Index on two consecutive days, without and with cognitive task. The Cognitive load was given by Controlled Oral Word Association Test. Results: The results showed that there was significant difference (p<0.01) with the scores of dynamic gait index with cognitive load. Conclusion: The dynamic balance will be significantly affected when elderly non-fallers are cognitively loaded.