Comparison of Cognitive and Motor Dual Task Gait Characteristics in Individuals With Transtibial, Transfemoral Amputation and Healty Individuals

Walking is a complex task in which sensory and cognitive systems must be involved. The lower extremity amputee may need to use cognitive resources to focus on walking, monitor and control the prosthetic movements. The need to use cognitive resources may be higher in those with more proximal level amputation, such as above-knee level. The role of cognition and concentration is revealed by a cognitive task performed with posture and gait control using the dual task method. The dual task paradigm provides information about the automation of the default processes that underpin good performance disclosure. This approach involves performing two tasks at the same time. Dual task is divided into primary task and secondary task. The performance of the primary task while performing a single task is recorded. If there is a drop in performance when the secondary task is added, this indicates that the primary task needs high attention.

In proximal amputations, with the lost of movement system structures, functional impairment increases. Amputation from the proximal level affects daily life activities and walking ability more. Above-knee amputees reported more functional difficulties in ambulatory ambulation than transtibial amputee.

The aim of this study is to compare the time-distance characteristics of walking with single task, cognitive dual task, motor dual task in transtibial, transfemoral amputee and healthy people.