Abstract
Background:
Fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (F-ILD) are associated with reduced exercise capacity and functional limitations. Motor–cognitive dual-task performance refers to the ability to perform a mobility task while simultaneously completing a cognitive task, reflecting the motor–cognitive demands of everyday multitasking. Dual-task performance has not been systematically compared between patients with F-ILD and healthy individuals.
Objectives:
To compare motor–cognitive dual-task performance between patients with fibrosing interstitial lung disease and healthy controls, and to examine associations with clinical parameters.
Design:
Cross-sectional comparative study.
Methods:
Forty-five patients with F-ILD and 45 age-matched healthy controls completed the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test under single-task and dual-task (serial subtraction) conditions. Dual-task interference (DTI) was computed as the percentage change from single-task performance. Pulmonary function tests, the six-minute walk distance (6MWT), and the Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) were administered. Between-group differences were assessed with the Mann–Whitney
U
test. Associations were examined using Spearman’s correlation and multivariable regression adjusted for age, body mass index, and comorbidity count.
Results:
Compared to controls, patients with F-ILD demonstrated slower TUG dual-task performance (12.35 vs 10.21 s;
p
= 0.0016), reduced dual-task accuracy (66.7% vs 77.8%;
p
p
p
= 0.0328). In ILD patients, a shorter 6MWT distance was associated with longer TUG dual-task time (ρ = −0.42,
p
= 0.004) and greater cognitive interference (ρ = −0.38,
p
= 0.009). No correlations were found with FVC, FEV
1
, or MoCA. After adjusting for confounders, ILD status independently correlated with longer TUG dual-task time (
p
= 0.029), lower accuracy (
p
= 0.0003), and increased cognitive DTI (
p
Conclusion:
Patients with F-ILD show significant motor and cognitive dual-task impairments compared with healthy controls, partly independent of conventional lung function measures.
Trial registration:
Not applicable.