Understanding the impact of running kinematics dual-tasking is essential for clinicians managing the health of aging athletes. While running supports functional health throughout the lifespan, age-related changes in movement patterns often emerge. Recent research explores how these patterns shift when runners face simultaneous motor or cognitive demands.

A recent study compared fifteen young, fifteen middle-aged, and fifteen older adults to observe their running biomechanics. Specifically, researchers measured performance across three scenarios: single-task running, a motor dual-task involving carrying water, and a cognitive dual-task requiring mental subtraction. The team analyzed variables such as stride length, stride width, and joint angles at the knee and ankle.

Clinical Observations of Running Kinematics Dual-Tasking

The results demonstrated that older runners exhibit distinct movement signatures compared to their younger counterparts. Specifically, older adults showed shorter stride lengths and durations. Moreover, they experienced a notable reduction in knee and ankle range of motion. Interestingly, young and middle-aged groups showed no significant differences in these baseline kinematic markers.

Both motor and cognitive distractions significantly disrupted gait across all age groups. However, the interference was most pronounced in the older population. Specifically, dual-tasking reduced joint motion and increased stride width, which often serves as a compensatory mechanism for stability. Notably, motor dual-tasking tended to induce greater kinematic disruption than cognitive tasks. These findings suggest that the cognitive and physical resources required for running become more limited with age.

Implications for Rehabilitation and Training

Consequently, these results highlight a reduced adaptability in older runners when they encounter environmental distractions. Clinicians should consider that older athletes might be more susceptible to falls or injuries during complex running environments. Furthermore, integrating dual-task training into rehabilitation programs could potentially improve the motor-cognitive integration necessary for safe outdoor running. Maintaining stride efficiency and joint flexibility remains a priority for geriatric sports medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does dual-tasking affect the stride of older runners?

Older runners typically experience a decrease in stride length and duration when performing secondary tasks. Additionally, they often increase their stride width to maintain balance, indicating a shift toward a more cautious gait pattern.

Which type of task causes more interference with running?

Research indicates that motor dual-tasks, such as carrying an object, often cause more significant kinematic disruptions than cognitive tasks like mental arithmetic. This suggests a higher level of competition for motor control resources.

Why is joint range of motion reduced in older runners?

Reduced knee and ankle range of motion in older adults may stem from age-related stiffness or a subconscious strategy to stabilize the body. When secondary tasks are added, this restriction becomes even more apparent due to limited neural processing capacity.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice or establish a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any medical concerns. Refer to the latest local and national guidelines for clinical practice.

References

1. Domingos de Oliveira Couto L et al. Kinematic analysis of road running under motor and cognitive dual-task conditions in young, middle-aged and older experienced and trainer runners. Sports Biomech. 2026 May 18. doi: 10.1080/14763141.2026.2671897. PMID: 42145206.

2. Al-Yahya E, Dawes H, Smith L, et al. Cognitive-motor interference while walking: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2011;35(3):715-728.

3. Beurskens R, Bock O. Age-related deficits of dual-task walking: a review. Neural Plast. 2012;2012:131459.