Objective Dual-task tandem gait is more sensitive to concussion compared to single-task, but only single-task normative data is available for clinical use. Dual-task tandem gait normative data may be clinically useful when assessing post-concussion impairments. Our purpose was to establish preliminary reference data for single- and dual-task tandem gait and determine if sex, concussion history, and sport contact level influenced outcomes.

Design Cross-sectional.

Setting Laboratory.

Participants One hundred and sixty-eight (52.3% female, 25.0% concussion history, 39.3% contact sport) collegiate-varsity athletes.

Independent Variables Sex, concussion history, and sport contact level (2 groups: limited/noncontact, contact).

Outcome Measures Participants walked heel-to-toe along a 3m walkway, turned around, and returned to the start under single- and dual-task conditions (backwards spelling, serial subtraction, reciting months backwards). Outcome measures included single- and dual-task tandem gait time (s) and dual-task cost (DTC). DTC was reported as percent change with negative values indicating slower times on dual-task gait. Independent t-tests compared outcomes between groups. Means and 95% confidence intervals are reported.

Main Results Average single-task and dual-task tandem gait times were 14.3s (13.8, 14.7) and 21.0s (20.2, 21.9) respectively. Average DTC was -48.4% (-53.4, -43.4). Limited/noncontact walked significantly slower during single-task condition compared with contact sports (mean difference [95% confidence interval]=1.0s [0.2, 1.9], p=0.020, Cohen’s d=0.37). There were no other significant differences (p-range=0.051 to 0.895).

Conclusions Our results provide preliminary reference data for single- and dual-task tandem gait and DTC with limited/noncontact sport types walking slower during the single-task condition. Larger datasets should explore interactions between independent variables.