Prefrontal Cortex Activity during Dual Task Performance in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Year: 2019
Type: dissertation
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to compare changes in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) oxygenated hemoglobin (ΔO2Hb), accuracy of backwards spelling, and decrements in gait velocity during single and dual tasks in patients with COPD (n=8), and healthy younger (n=20) and older adults (n=20). Participants performed: (1) backwards spelling cognitive task (CT); (2) preferred paced walk (PPW); and (3) fast paced walk (FPW). The dual tasks then paired CT with PPW and FPW. In older adults, ΔO2Hb was significantly higher in left DLPFC compared to patients with COPD and bilaterally compared to younger adults during FPW+CT versus FPW. Furthermore, older and younger adults exhibited higher decrements of velocity during FPW+CT compared to PPW+CT. CT accuracy tended to be lower in older adults. Decrements in performance during dual tasking highlight the impact of increased cognitive load and need of cognitive-motor interventions to improve cognition and physical function.
Source: TSpace (University of Toronto)
Author: Syed Ahmed Hassan
Language: English
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: University of Toronto
OpenAlex ID: W2995169542