The effects of cognitive and motor dual-tasks on dynamic stability during stair ascent: a gender-based comparison

Abstract

Abstract Objective This study aims to examine the impact of dual-task (DT) conditions on dynamic stability during stair ambulation in healthy young adults, with a specific focus on gender differences. The findings show the main effects of dual-task condition and sex, as well as their interaction, on postural control outcomes during stair ascent, thereby advancing our understanding of gender-related variations under cognitive-motor interference and informing fall risk prevention and management. Methods A total of 26 healthy young adults (14 males and 12 females) volunteered for this study. Each participant was instructed to perform stair ascent under three experimental conditions: single-task (ST), cognitive task (CT), and motor task (MT). Kinematic and kinetic data were synchronously collected using a Qualisys motion capture system and two Kistler force plates. To assess the main and interactive effects of gender and task condition, a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted. The dependent variables included the anterior–posterior and mediolateral margins of stability (MoS), which were analyzed at key gait events—specifically, at left foot contact (LFC) and right foot off (RFO). Results Relative to the single-task condition, the induction of both dual-task conditions resulted in a significant reduction in gait speed and cadence, coupled with an increased percentage of the double support phase ( p < 0.05). Furthermore, DT interference led to a significant increase in the anterior–posterior MoS at both LFC and RFO events ( p < 0.05). Regarding gender differences, female participants exhibited a significantly larger mediolateral MoS and a wider anterior–posterior base of support compared to their male counterparts ( p < 0.05). Conclusion DT during stair ascent significantly increased MoS AP , representing a functional compensatory adjustment manifested through a systematic modulation of gait speed rather than a passive performance decline. While both CT and MT induced conservative gait patterns, their underlying mechanisms differed: MT interference triggered sensory-driven feedback modulation, whereas CT interference led to resource-dependent interference. Furthermore, females exhibited significantly greater MoS ML than males, likely due to gender-specific biomechanical and neuromuscular constraints. These findings demonstrate that gait adjustments under dual-task interference are not uniform but rather task-specific and sex-specific compensatory responses, offering a nuanced basis for developing tailored fall prevention strategies in stair environments.