Relationship of Cognitive Functions and Physical Activities in Persons with Chronic Stroke

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between physical performance, such as gait and postural control, and cognition on as assessed by clinical tools in individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke. Methods : Twenty-six patients who had hemiparetic stroke participated in this study, and were evaluated four common clinical measurements, including the Berg balance scale (BBS), 10 meter walk test (10MWT), 6 minute walking test (6MWT), and Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA). Multiple regression analysis was used BBS score, 10MWT, and 6MWT as the dependent variables; MoCA score, post-stroke duration, age, and affected side as independent variables. Results : In the regression equation of the BBS score, the correlation coefficient (r) was 0.875, the coefficient of determination (R2) was 0.786, and the MoCA score was the most important variable for determining the BBS score. In the regression equation for the 10MWT, ther was 0.888, the R2 was 0.999, and the MoCA score was the most important variable for determining 10MWT. Finally, the r was 0.777, the R2 was 0.998, and the MoCA score was the most important variable for determining 6MWT in the regression equation of the 6MWT. Conclusion : The results show that cognitive abilities affect gait proficiencies in individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke. Therefore, these results suggest that cognitive tests are necessary for examining and evaluating the abilities of postural control and gait performance for chronic stroke patients in research and clinical environments.