Effects of visual cue and cognitive motor tasks on standing postural control following a chronic stroke

[Purpose] The objective of the study was to examine the effects of visual cue and cognitive motor tasks on quiet standing posture center of pressure (COP) and the weight loads to the paretic and non-paretic legs in chronic stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty chronic stroke patients were included in the study. COP total distance, sway velocity, and the weight loads to the paretic and non-paretic legs of the participants were measured while they performed a visual cue task, cognitive motor task, and dual task. The parameters were compared using a repeated three-way analysis of variance. [Results] When the visual cue was provided, the COP total distance and sway velocity were significantly reduced compared with when no visual cue was given. When the cognitive motor task was performed, the COP total distance and sway velocity decreased significantly compared to when the task was not performed. [Conclusion] These findings suggest that visual cue and cognitive motor tasks could be used as parts of a rehabilitative training program to improve the control of standing in chronic stroke patients. In addition, visual cues can be used as an intervention to train the paretic leg of stroke patients.