Reduced dual-task gait speed is associated with visual Go/No-Go brain network activation in children and adolescents with concussion.

Objective: To investigate the association between dual-task gait performance and brain network activation (BNA) using an electroencephalography (EEG)-based Go/No-Go paradigm among children and adolescents with concussion. Methods: Participants with a concussion completed a visual Go/No-Go task with collection of electroencephalogram brain activity. Data were treated with BNA analysis, which involves an algorithmic approach to EEG-ERP activation quantification. Participants also completed a dual-task gait assessment. The relationship between dual-task gait speed and BNA was assessed using multiple linear regression models. Results: Participants (n=20, 13.9 +/- 2.3years of age, 50% female) were tested at a mean of 7.0 +/- 2.5days post-concussion and were symptomatic at the time of testing (post-concussion symptom scale=40.4 +/- 21.9). Slower dual-task average gait speed (mean=82.2 +/- 21.0cm/s) was significantly associated with lower relative time BNA scores (mean=39.6 +/- 25.8) during the No-Go task (=0.599, 95% CI=0.214, 0.985, p=0.005, R-2=0.405), while controlling for the effect of age and gender. Conclusion: Among children and adolescents with a concussion, slower dual-task gait speed was independently associated with lower BNA relative time scores during a visual Go/No-Go task. The relationship between abnormal gait behaviour and brain activation deficits may be reflective of disruption to multiple functional abilities after concussion.