The Correlation between Postural Control and Attention during Performance of Dual Task in Stroke Patients

Objective: To compare differences in postural changes during dual-task performance (DTP) between stroke patients and healthy controls, and to investigate the relationship between postural control and attention during DTP in stroke patients. Method: Twenty-nine subacute stroke patients who were able to stand independently and ten age-matched, healthy controls were enrolled in the study. The postural control of subjects was evaluated in all of the following four conditions using posturography: a simple standing state with eyes open (EO), a DTP with EO, a simple standing state with eyes closed (EC) and a DTP with EC. The dual-task was performed by standing while inversely repeating a given four-digit number. The parameters were stability index (SI) and weight distribution index (WDI) in posturography. Both visual and auditory inattention of the stroke patients were measured using the computer neuropsychologic test. Results: In stroke patients, SI and WDI increased significantly during DTP (p < 0.05) both their EO and EC status. The change of SI during DTP was positively correlated with the visual and auditory inattention in stroke patients (p < 0.01) with their EO status. No significant correlations were noticed in WDI. Conclusion: Postural changes during DTP increased more in stroke patients than in healthy controls. Postural control showed a significant correlation with visual and auditory attention during the DTP in stroke patients. We therefore expect that dual-task training using postural control and attention will be an attractive treatment method for increasing postural stability in stroke patients.