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Researchers have found that curved walking tests provide more telling results for detecting mild cognitive impairment in older adults.
Traditionally, gait tests are usually performed on a straight path to detect subtle impairments. But as the media reports Neuroscience Newsresearchers found that tests performed on curved paths yield better results.
More natural walking tests
These new studies, the results of which were published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease Reports, Volume 8, Issue 1, highlight the importance of incorporating more natural and complex walking tests into clinical assessments to better identify the early stages of neurodegenerative pathologies, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
So why are tests performed on a curved path more relevant? Unlike walking on a straight path, which is easier, walking on a winding path requires greater use of motor and cognitive abilities, including having to change direction and readjust balance.
More revealing winding paths
Relayed by Neuroscience Newsthe tests were carried out as follows: “The researchers used a depth camera, capable of detecting and tracking 25 joints of body movement, to record the study participants’ gait while performing the two different walking tests (straight or curved).”the media reports.Signals from the 25 body joints were processed to extract 50 gait markers for each test, and these markers were compared between the two groups using descriptive statistical analyses.it is also specified.
In conclusion, the results demonstrated that walking on a winding path caused greater challenges in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Furthermore, this method was much more effective in detecting these disorders than walking straight.
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