Age-Related Effects on Cognitive-Locomotor Dual-Task Abilities in Activities Representative of Daily Life Among Young Seniors.

This study examined whether dual-task (DT) cognitive-locomotor interferences are present among young seniors (55-75 years) simultaneously performing a locomotor and a cognitive task of varying levels of complexity while ambulating in a virtual community environment. To assess DT abilities, participants were asked to walk down a virtual mall corridor while remembering a 5-item shopping list. Two levels of complexity for the locomotor (without vs.

Worldwide Survey on Digital Assistive Technology (DAT) Provision.

Occupational therapists have long been involved in assistive technology (AT) provision worldwide. AT is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) to enhance functioning, independence, and autonomy and ultimately promote well-being for people living with disabilities. With the digitalisation of societies, the everyday lives and occupations of individuals are changing, becoming more reliant on digital solutions.

Development of a virtual reality-based intervention for community walking post stroke: an integrated knowledge translation approach.

Purpose: To develop a virtual reality (VR) based intervention targeting community walking requirements.

Methods: Two focus groups each involving 7 clinicians allowed exploring optimal features, needed support and perceived favorable/unfavorable factors associated with the use of the VR-based intervention from the clinicians' perspective. Three stroke survivors and 2 clinicians further interacted with the intervention and filled questionnaires related to acceptability and favorable/unfavorable perceptions on the VR intervention.

Dual-Task Abilities During Activities Representative of Daily Life in Community-Dwelling Stroke Survivors: A Pilot Study.

Background: In addition to several physical skills, being able to walk in the community, walking independently and safely in the community requires the ability to divide attention between walking and other tasks performed simultaneously. The aims of the present pilot study were to measure cognitive-locomotor dual-task (DT) abilities during activities representative of daily living in stroke survivors and to compare them with age- and gender-matched healthy individuals.

Methods: To assess DT abilities, all participants walked along a virtual shopping mall corridor and memorized a 5-item shopping list.

Virtual reality-based assessment of cognitive-locomotor interference in healthy young adults.

Background: A recent literature review emphasized the importance of assessing dual-task (DT) abilities with tasks that are representative of community ambulation. Assessing DT ability in real-life activities using standardized protocols remains difficult. Virtual reality (VR) may represent an interesting alternative enabling the exposure to different scenarios simulating community walking.

Cognitive-Locomotor Dual-Task Interference in Stroke Survivors and the Influence of the Tasks: A Systematic Review.

Walking in the community can be challenging for stroke survivors. The fact that community walking often requires performing another task while walking further adds to this challenge and can lead to a deterioration of performance in one or both tasks. To review the existing literature about cognitive-locomotor dual-task interference (DTI) magnitude and pattern while walking in patients with stroke and to explore the influence of tasks' nature on DTI.

Quantification of upper limb position sense using an exoskeleton and a virtual reality display.

Background: Proprioceptive sense plays a significant role in the generation and correction of skilled movements and, consequently, in most activities of daily living. We developed a new proprioception assessment protocol that enables the quantification of elbow position sense without using the opposite arm, involving active movement of the evaluated limb or relying on working memory. The aims of this descriptive study were to validate this assessment protocol by quantifying the elbow position sense of healthy adults, before using it in individuals who sustained a stroke, and to investigate its test-retest reliability.

Use and psychometric properties of the Reintegration to Normal Living Index in rehabilitation: A systematic review.

Background: Reintegration to Normal Living Index (RNLI) is a generic 11-item questionnaire-based instrument that measures the degree to which individuals achieve reintegration to normal social activities.

Objectives: This systematic review aimed to provide an overview of the use of this questionnaire in rehabilitation (objective 1) and to analyze its psychometric properties (objective 2).

Methods: We searched the literature in 4 electronic databases (MEDLINE via PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science) for articles published in English or French between 1988 and 2017.