Single and dual tandem gait assessment post concussion: What performance time is clinically relevant across adult ages and what can influence results?. (July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Galea, Olivia A.; Bristow, Hayden D.; Chisholm, Scott M.; Mersch, Michaela E.; Nullmeyer, Jocelyn; Reid, Chantelle R.; Treleaven, Julia M.
• Is Part Of: Musculoskeletal science and practice. Volume 42(2019)
• Page Start: 166
• Page End: 172
• Publication Date: 2019-07
• Subjects: Adults -- Concussion -- Dual task -- Mild traumatic brain injury -- Healthy individual data -- Single tandem gait; Manipulation (Therapeutics) -- Periodicals; Physical therapy -- Periodicals; Neuromuscular diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Musculoskeletal system -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Manipulation (Therapeutics); Neuromuscular diseases -- Treatment; Physical therapy; Manipulation, Orthopedic; Musculoskeletal Diseases -- therapy; Neuromuscular Diseases -- therapy; Physical Therapy Modalities; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 615.82
• DOI: 10.1016/j.msksp.2019.04.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2468-8630

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: The three-metre tandem gait test (TG) is used to assess postural control during locomotion following sports concussion. However, values used to determine a pass/fail result are currently based on young athletic populations. Times for test completion may be influenced by several intrinsic or extrinsic factors. The aim of this study was to collate healthy individual single, dual task as well as dual task cost – motor TG times for a non-elite athlete population, across several age groups, and to investigate several potential influencing factors. Methods: Healthy individuals aged 18–55+, who had never experienced a concussion completed single and dual task TG following the SCAT5 protocol. A separate group (n = 20, age, foot length and body mass index matched) performed the tests with alternate instructions. Results: Mean best TG time for all participants were: single task 21.03 (±5.26s), dual task 29.59 (±9.84s) and DTC-motor 8.57 (±7.5s:41.7%). Age and foot length but not specificity of verbal instructions were related to TG times. Significantly slower single and dual task times were identified for the 55 + age group when compared to the three youngest groups (p < 0.01). No difference was seen for DTC-motor time or % between age groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Healthy individual data collected exceeded previously reported average times. Faster times were evident in younger participants and those with longer foot length. Results from this study can be used as a reliable guideline to inform clinical decisions around the pass/fail result of TGT across age ranges in non-elite athlete populations post-concussion. Highlights: Mean single and dual tandem gait best times of 21 and 29s in healthy controls. Older adults (55 +) are slower than younger adults for both tasks. Those with larger feet (>27 cm) may perform tasks up to 3s faster. Specificity of instructions does not appear to influence times for both tasks. Dual task cost-motor might be a useful measure.