1.6.3.1 Gaps in Knowledge The findings of the previous studies were mostly consistent. The converging evidence shows that during a dual task there is an increased activation of the frontal cortex and a decrease in gait during a dual task for both groups. These findings are consistent with the theories which suggest cognitive modulation resulting in the reallocation of resources and that there is a decrease in performance of one or both task due to the attentional demands (review above). However, the previous research shows discrepancies regarding the differences between old and young adults in the degree of activation. Furthermore, the regional activation is still unclear regarding the specific regions of activation. 1.7 PUBLIC HEALTH SIGNIFICANCE A major public health concern is of the health burdens in an aging population. Much of the rapid increase of the aging population is due to the baby boomer generation. The decline of mobility is a major concern in an aging population. The decline in mobility is detrimental to healthy living and well-being of older adults. Healthy mobility enables individuals to transverse their living environment and is associated with many factors such as independent living, mental health and physical health (). Mobility limitations are common among older adults as indicated by a 31.7% of older adults self-reported difficulty walking three city blocks (). The consequences of mobility disability range in severity from preclinical to severe that include limitations such as challenges in walking to complete loss of mobility (; ). Falling as a result of mobility decrements is a major concern of upmost importance. Falls affect greater than 30% of individuals 65 years and older leading to morbidities as well as death. In 2006, as a result of falls in older adults, 16,650 deaths and 1.84 million visits to the hospital () . Furthermore, the health cost of falls is staggering with $42 billion in additional health care costs (). Understanding why mobility declines occur is essential for the development of interventions. As previously noted, the brain is highly involved with aging and mobility and it is important for public health to understand this relationship to develop brain based interventions to help reduce the incidence of falls.
1.6.3.1 Gaps in Knowledge The findings of the previous studies were mostly consistent. The converging evidence shows that during a dual task there is an increased activation of the frontal cortex and a decrease in gait during a dual task for both groups. These findings are consistent with the theories which suggest cognitive modulation resulting in the reallocation of resources and that there is a decrease in performance of one or both task due to the attentional demands (review above). However, the previous research shows discrepancies regarding the differences between old and young adults in the degree of activation. Furthermore, the regional activation is still unclear regarding the specific regions of activation. 1.7 PUBLIC HEALTH SIGNIFICANCE A major public health concern is of the health burdens in an aging population. Much of the rapid increase of the aging population is due to the baby boomer generation. The decline of mobility is a major concern in an aging population. The decline in mobility is detrimental to healthy living and well-being of older adults. Healthy mobility enables individuals to transverse their living environment and is associated with many factors such as independent living, mental health and physical health (). Mobility limitations are common among older adults as indicated by a 31.7% of older adults self-reported difficulty walking three city blocks (). The consequences of mobility disability range in severity from preclinical to severe that include limitations such as challenges in walking to complete loss of mobility (; ). Falling as a result of mobility decrements is a major concern of upmost importance. Falls affect greater than 30% of individuals 65 years and older leading to morbidities as well as death. In 2006, as a result of falls in older adults, 16,650 deaths and 1.84 million visits to the hospital () . Furthermore, the health cost of falls is staggering with $42 billion in additional health care costs (). Understanding why mobility declines occur is essential for the development of interventions. As previously noted, the brain is highly involved with aging and mobility and it is important for public health to understand this relationship to develop brain based interventions to help reduce the incidence of falls.
PaleyJ_mphessay_execfunctionandmobility4_2016.docx