Association Between Turning Mobility and Cognitive Function in Chronic Poststroke

Turning difficulties are common in patients with stroke. The detrimental effects of dual tasks on turning indicate a correlation between turning and cognition. Cognitive impairment is prevalent after stroke, and stroke patients with mild cognitive impairment had a poorer turning performance than did stroke patients with intact cognitive abilities. Therefore, we investigated the association between turning mobility and cognitive function in patients with chronic poststroke. Ninety patients with chronic stroke (>6 months post-stroke) were recruited. Angular velocity was assessed using wearable sensors during 180° walking turns and 360° turning on the spot from both sides. Global cognition and distinct cognitive domains were assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination. In patients with stroke, turning mobility was significantly associated with global cognitive function and distinct cognitive domains, such as visuospatial ability and language. The balance function and lower limbs strength were mediators of the association between cognition and turning. The association highlights the complexity of the turning movement and dynamic motor and cognitive coordination necessary to safely complete a turn. However, our findings should be regarded as preliminary, and a thorough neuropsychological assessment to provide a valid description of distinct cognitive domains is required.