The association between dual-task walking and counting responses and cognitive function and disability after severe head injury: a preliminary study

Maclean, L. M., McSkimming, P. and McMillan, T. M. (2021) The association between dual-task walking and counting responses and cognitive function and disability after severe head injury: a preliminary study. Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, 31(4), pp. 570-582. (doi: 10.1080/09602011.2020.1716812) (PMID:31989869)

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Abstract

Adverse outcomes after severe head injury (SHI) can be difficult to detect in primary care and other settings where there is not specialist expertise for interpretation. Walking and counting dual-task (DT) measures are strongly associated with cognitive impairment and dementia and this preliminary study investigates whether performance on DT walking and counting tasks are associated with cognitive function and disability in 125 participants who sustained a SHI on average 26 years before. Single Task (ST) walking (speed over 6 metres) and ST counting (Serial 3s) and DT performance of concurrent walking and Serial 3s were compared with neuropsychological, wellbeing and disability tests for strength of association. The strongest correlations were between ST Correct Cognitive Responses (CCRs) and MMSE (rho = 0.435), DT CCRs and Short-term Memory Binding Tests (STMBT) binding accuracy (rho = 0,409) and DT CCRs and STROOP (rho = 0.420), but associations were less strong with disability. Developing this test, as a cost-efficient screening tool for triage to onward referral for neuropsychological assessment, holds promise, but requires further research.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:This work was supported by a Sackler Fellowship Bequest funding for the first author.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Mcskimming, Mrs Paula and Maclean, Dr Linda and McMillan, Professor Tom
Authors: Maclean, L. M., McSkimming, P., and McMillan, T. M.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Robertson Centre
Journal Name:Neuropsychological Rehabilitation
Publisher:Taylor and Francis
ISSN:0960-2011
ISSN (Online):1464-0694
Published Online:28 January 2020

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