Examining the Influence of Task Complexity on Dual-Task Performance in Parkinson’s Disease and Healthy Older Adults

In PwPD, gait complexity influenced raw gait performance, whereas DTEs were more sensitive to cognitive/speaking task. In healthy older adults, gait complexity primarily affected step length variability, while DTEs were also influenced by cognitive/speaking task. These findings emphasize the value of diverse DT paradigms and the importance of assessing both raw performance and DTEs. Tailoring assessments to include a variety of motor and cognitive challenges may improve sensitivity in evaluating gait and fall risk, supporting more personalized interventions.