Changing patterns of cognitive-motor interference (CMI) over time during recovery from stroke.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the extent and nature of change in cognitive-motor interference (CMI) among rehabilitating stroke patients who showed dual-task gait decrement at initial assessment.


METHODS
Experimental, within-subjects, repeated measures design.


METHODS
Rehabilitation centre for adults with acquired, nonprogressive brain injury.


METHODS
Ten patients with unilateral stroke, available for reassessment 1-9 months following their participation in a study of CMI after brain injury.


METHODS
Median stride duration; mean word generation.


METHODS
Two x one-minute walking trials, two x one-minute word generation trials, two x one-minute trials of simultaneous walking and word generation; 10-metre walking time; Barthel ADL Scale score.


RESULTS
Seven out of ten patients showed reduction over time in dual-task gait decrement. Three out of ten showed reduction in cognitive decrement. Only one showed concomitant reduction in gait and word generation decrement.


CONCLUSIONS
Extent of CMI during relearning to walk after a stroke reduced over time in the majority of patients. Effects were more evident in improved stride duration than improved cognitive performance. Measures of multiple task performance should be included in assessment for functional recovery.
Cockburn
Janet
J
Department of Psychology, University of Reading and Rivermead Rehabilitation Centre, Oxford, UK. j.m.cockburn@rdg.ac.uk
Haggard
Patrick
P
Cock
Josephine
J
Fordham
Claire
C
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001039:Aphasia, Broca / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation