The Influence Of Dual Task Walking On Frontal Plane Kinematics

Faculty Mentor

Kristyne Wiegand, Katie Taylor

Presentation Type

Poster

Start Date

4-14-2026 11:30 AM

End Date

4-14-2026 1:30 PM

Location

PUB NCR

Primary Discipline of Presentation

Exercise Science

Abstract

Dual task walking, such as using an under-desk walking pad while completing cognitive tasks, is increasingly common, particularly in working environments. It is known that sedentary behavior is linked to health issues, and active workstations like standing desks and walking pads have increased in popularity as the equipment becomes more accessible. With these changes in work environments, it is important to understand whether dual-task walking can influence mechanics and lead to increased risk of falls or injuries. PURPOSE: To determine whether different types of cognitive loads can alter frontal plane mechanics or step frequency while using under-desk walking pads. METHODS: Thirty healthy male and female adults (ages 18-44) will be recruited for this study. Participants walked at a fixed self-selected speed on an under-desk walking pad with four 5-minute conditions: control (CON; no stimulus) and three cognitive tasks: multiplication problem solving (MATH), typing (TYP), and memory recall (MEM). Two-dimensional video recorded lower extremity joint mechanics in the frontal plane. Video data were exported, and hip range of motion (ROM) and stride frequency were assessed. Differences in frontal plane mechanics among conditions were analyzed with one-way repeated measures ANOVA (α = .05). RESULTS: Preliminary results (N = 3) indicate decreased frontal plane hip ROM during MATH (-2.9%), TYP (-10.6%) and MEM (-7.8%), and increased stride frequency for MATH (6.3%) TYP (6.0%) and MEM (1.4%), though statistical tests were not conducted at this time due to limited preliminary results. CONCLUSION: Based on these preliminary results, it appears that dual task walking may lead to greater step frequency and a more rigid gait profile in the frontal plane, suggesting a more cautious gait. As additional data are collected, a more robust conclusion can be drawn regarding the influence of dual task walking on mechanics, and the influence of specific types of tasks may be ascertained.

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Apr 14th, 11:30 AM Apr 14th, 1:30 PM

The Influence Of Dual Task Walking On Frontal Plane Kinematics

PUB NCR

Dual task walking, such as using an under-desk walking pad while completing cognitive tasks, is increasingly common, particularly in working environments. It is known that sedentary behavior is linked to health issues, and active workstations like standing desks and walking pads have increased in popularity as the equipment becomes more accessible. With these changes in work environments, it is important to understand whether dual-task walking can influence mechanics and lead to increased risk of falls or injuries. PURPOSE: To determine whether different types of cognitive loads can alter frontal plane mechanics or step frequency while using under-desk walking pads. METHODS: Thirty healthy male and female adults (ages 18-44) will be recruited for this study. Participants walked at a fixed self-selected speed on an under-desk walking pad with four 5-minute conditions: control (CON; no stimulus) and three cognitive tasks: multiplication problem solving (MATH), typing (TYP), and memory recall (MEM). Two-dimensional video recorded lower extremity joint mechanics in the frontal plane. Video data were exported, and hip range of motion (ROM) and stride frequency were assessed. Differences in frontal plane mechanics among conditions were analyzed with one-way repeated measures ANOVA (α = .05). RESULTS: Preliminary results (N = 3) indicate decreased frontal plane hip ROM during MATH (-2.9%), TYP (-10.6%) and MEM (-7.8%), and increased stride frequency for MATH (6.3%) TYP (6.0%) and MEM (1.4%), though statistical tests were not conducted at this time due to limited preliminary results. CONCLUSION: Based on these preliminary results, it appears that dual task walking may lead to greater step frequency and a more rigid gait profile in the frontal plane, suggesting a more cautious gait. As additional data are collected, a more robust conclusion can be drawn regarding the influence of dual task walking on mechanics, and the influence of specific types of tasks may be ascertained.