Effect of cognitive task on components of 7 meter timed up-and-go test in persons with stroke

Abstract

A problem dealing with dual task is commonly found in persons post-stroke but it is unclear whether age and educational levels influence this performance. The timed up-and-go test with cognitive task (TUG-dual) is recommended for assessing such problem but focusing only on total TUG time may mask the extent of cognitive tasks affecting each TUG component. This study investigates the effect of age and educational level on dual task performance during each component of TUG in patients with stroke. This cross-sectional study evaluated 25 patients with stroke and 25 healthy persons when performing 7 m TUG with and without counting backward by three. Total time to perform TUG, movement parameters, and rates of counting correct answers were measured. Four components of 7 m TUG (sit-to-stand, walk, turn, and turn-to-sit) were classified using portable accelerometers. The duration of TUG-dual increased in both groups but the amount of increase was larger in patients (p < 0.001). The rate of counting correct answer was affected by age (p = 0.004), but not educational levels (p = 0.267). In patients, the decreased rate of counting was found across all age ranges (35-54, 55-64, and 65-78 years), but in healthy persons, it was found only in the oldest age range. Cognitive tasks led to longer time during walk, turn, and turn to sit in patients. Changes in movement parameters including decreased peak angular velocity during turn and turn-to-sit, decreased stride length, stride velocity, and increased single leg stance time during walking suggested adaptation patterns in patients with stroke. © 2018 Science Society of Thailand under Royal Patronage. All rights reserved..