Relationship between cognitive and motor functions, and dual task performance in community dwelling older adults: gender differences

Dual-task performances may be impaired with the impairment in motor performance and cognitive functions due to aging. The aim of the present cross-sectional study is to investigate the gender differences in dual-task performance. A total of 82 community-dwelling older adults (41 males and 41 females) aged between 65 and 75 years were included. Motor performance was evaluated with the sit-to-stand test, the timed up and go test, 10 m walking test and cognitive functions were evaluated with Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test. Dual-task performances were evaluated as motor-motor and cognitive-motor performance. Mean age was 70.12±3.18 years for females and 69.80±3.21 years for males. Both groups were similar with regard to age, education status, exercise habits, and working status. In dual-task performances, females were found to complete motor-motor tasks in a shorter time as compared to males (p=0.001). Cognitive-motor task performances were found to be better in males (p=0.038). It is considered that gender differences in dual-task performances could be understood better in the light of the results of the present study and treatment may be arranged in accordance with these gender differences.