Effect of Light Finger Touch, a Cognitive Task, and Vision on Standing Balance in Stroke

The aim of the exploratory study was to investigate the individual and combined effects of light finger touch, a cognitive task, and vision on postural sway in individuals with stroke. Nine older adults with stroke stood on the force platform with eyes open and eyes closed, with and without a light finger touch contact with the stationary frame, and when counting backward from a randomly chosen three-digit number or without it. The center of pressure (COP) excursion, velocity, range and sway area was calculated. Participants demonstrated significantly larger postural sway when vision was not available (p < 0.05), smaller postural sway when using a finger touch contact (p < 0.05), and increased postural sway while performing the cognitive task (p < 0.05). When finger touch and a cognitive task was performed simultaneously, body sway decreased as compared to standing and performing a cognitive task in eyes open (p < 0.05) and eyes closed conditions. Results indicate that light touch in individuals with stroke mitigates the impact of cognitive load. The findings contribute to the understanding of the role of sensory integration in balance control of individuals with neurological impairments and older adults.