Executive function is independently associated with performances of balance and mobility in community-dwelling older adults after mild stroke: implications for falls prevention.

BACKGROUND

Stroke survivors have a high incidence of falls. Impaired executive-controlled processes are frequent in stroke survivors and are associated with falls in this population. Better understanding of the independent association between executive-controlled processes and physiological fall risk (i.e. performances of balance and mobility) could enhance future interventions that aim to prevent falls and to promote an independent lifestyle among stroke survivors.

METHODS

Cross-sectional analysis of 63 adults who suffered a mild stroke >1 year prior to the study, aged > or =50 years.

RESULTS

Cognitive flexibility was independently associated with performances of balance and mobility in community-dwelling older adults after mild stroke, after accounting for age, quadriceps strength of the paretic side and current physical activity level.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians may need to consider cognitive function when assessing and treating impaired balance and mobility in community-dwelling older adults after mild stroke.