Date of Award
2023-12-01
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Interdisciplinary Health Sciences
Advisor(s)
Jeff D. Eggleston
Abstract
This multi-study dissertation examined dual-task performance in young and middle-aged adults using verbal fluency tasks (VFT) during different walking scenarios (baseline, performing a VFT, walking narrowly, and performing a VFT while walking narrowly) as well as the Selection, Optimization, and Compensation (SOC) model. Thirty adults (15 young adults (YA; 19-44 years) and 15 middle-aged adults (MA; 45-65 years) participated in this study. Overall, there were no significant differences between groups when data was examined in short (means of means approach) and long-form (incorporating all data), when analyzing clustering and switching strategies, gait speed variability, or dual-task costs. Overall, these three studies provide valuable insights into the factors that influence dual-task performance. Although dual-task performance declines with age, this sample of MA exhibited similarities to YA suggesting MA adults may still be in their peak cognitive function. Nevertheless, by examining these measures across the lifespan, future research could identify developmental patterns, detect earlier signs of decline, and implement interventions to improve or maintain functionality as aging progresses.
Language
en
Provenance
Recieved from ProQuest
Copyright Date
2023-12
File Size
102 p.
File Format
application/pdf
Rights Holder
Emily Ann Chavez
Recommended Citation
Chavez, Emily Ann, "Exploring Aging Using The Selection, Optimization, And Compensation (soc) Framework In Conjunction With Kinematic Gait And Verbal Fluency Task Analysis In Healthy Adults" (2023). Open Access Theses & Dissertations. 4040.
https://scholarworks.utep.edu/open_etd/4040