The Effects of Dual-Task Cognitive Interference and Environmental Challenges on Balance in Huntington's Disease.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Huntington's disease (HD) is characterized by chorea, balance and gait impairments, and cognitive deficits, which increase fall risk. Dual task (DT) and environmentally challenging paradigms reflect balance related to everyday life. Furthermore, the impact of cognitive deficits on balance dysfunction and falls in HD is unknown.

Objective

To determine the impact of DT interference, sensory feedback, and cognitive performance on balance and falls in HD.

Methods

Seventeen participants with HD (55 ± 9.7 years) and 17 age-matched controls (56.5 ± 9.3 years) underwent quantitative balance testing with APDM inertial sensors. Postural sway was assessed during conditions of manipulated stance, vision, proprioception, and cognitive demand. The DT was a concurrent ver

SUBMITTER: Purcell NL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6417749 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature