The influence of attentional demands in postural control of hemiparetic

Abstract

© 2015 Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo. All rights reserved. Objective. To investigate the effects of dual task with cognitive demand on postural control of hemiparetic subjects post stroke. Method. 18 subjects (52.28±13.8 years) with chronic hemiparesis, able to walk with or without gait assistance device. The Timed Up and Go test was used (TUG)- it was requested the individual to rise from a chair, walk three meters, return to the chair and sit down, and the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) where individuals performed eight tasks involving gait in different sensorial contexts, with and without associated cognitive demand, to assess the balance. Results. It was found that the cognitive demand influenced on the test results, the DGI showed a decrease in score (-3.05) and a time increase on the TUG (2.60) for holding both with a cognitive demand. But there was no difference in reducing the DGI score or increase the TUG time, in the dual task, compared to gender (p=0.860 and p=0.069), educational level (p=0.973 and p=0.571), type of stroke (p=0.408 and p=0.408), and affected hemisphere (p=0.798 and p=0.101). Conclusion. The realization of the dual task by inserting a cognitive demand influences on postural control of hemiparetic subjects post stroke.