The association between specific cognitive domains function and gait performance or postural control in post-stroke participants: a cross-sectional study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Stroke survivors frequently experience cognitive dysfunction, impaired postural control, and gait impairments, significantly impacting physical abilities and hinders their ability to live independently. Although cognitive impairment exacerbates motor deficits, existing research primarily examines global cognition or executive function, with limited focus on domain-specific cognitive association. This study aims to investigate the distinct relationships between specific cognitive domains and both gait performance and postural control in stroke survivors. Methods: Thirty-three acute and subacute stroke participants (mean age 63.94 ± 10.3 years, 60.6% male, mean post-stroke duration 2.97 ± 2.86 months) underwent standardized assessments: Executive function (Shape Trail Test, STT), attention (Symbol Digit Modalities Test, SDMT), Visuospatial ability and memory (Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test, ROCFT), gait (10-Meter Walk Test, 10MWT, Timed Up and Go Test, TUG), and postural control (NeuroCom Balance System parameters: Movement Velocity (MVL), Max Excursions (MXE), and Directional Control (DCL)). Domain-specific associations between cognitive functions and gait performance or postural control were analyzed using multiple linear regression, with adjustment for age, sex, time since onset, stroke type, and hemiparetic side. Results: = 0.027). However, no cognitive domains significantly predicted performance on the 10MWT or TUG. Conclusion: Impairments in specific cognitive domains differentially correlate with gait and postural control, underscoring the need for integrated cognitive-motor rehabilitation in acute and subacute stroke.
Source: Frontiers in Neurology
Language: English
Subfield: Rehabilitation
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W7124975543