Association between Balance Confidence and Cognitive-Motor Interference in Stroke Patients – Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Functional community ambulation demands the ability to accomplish both mobility and
cognitive tasks at the same time (dual-tasking). When gait and cognitive deficits are done concurrently,
this is referred to as cognitive-motor interference. Some hypothesis says that Individuals with low
balance confidence would have higher cognitive-motor interference, indicating a behavioral change
during dual-task settings. The purpose of this study is to see if cognitive-motor interference is linked to
stroke patients’ confidence in their balance.
Methodology: The participants in this pilot trial were sub-acute and chronic community-dwelling stroke
survivors. The MFES questionnaire assessed balance confidence. Participants completed four 10-meter
walking trails to evaluate Cognitive-Motor Interference. Two of the walking trails were performed
without any additional tasks, while the other two were completed with a concurrent cognitive challenge.
Conclusion: A total of 30 people participated in this study, with a mean age of 64±7.7 years. Pearson
correlation discovered a statistically significant (p=<0.05) negative correlation (r=-0.202) between
balance confidence and CMI. This study found that balance confidence is not associated with cognitive
motor interference in stroke patients