Relationship between Cognitive Function and Sway of Body in Standing Posture: A Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neurology
• Biomechanics

Background:

• The relationship between neurological or balance dysfunction and cognitive impairment requires further investigation.
• Balance dysfunction may impact cognitive function, but this link is not well-established.
• This study investigates the correlation between balance test results and cognitive impairment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare balance test results (head vs. foot sway) with cognitive impairment test outcomes.
• To determine if sway measurements can predict cognitive decline in older adults.
• To assess the influence of visual conditions (eyes-open/closed) on the balance-cognition relationship.

Main Methods:

• Older adults (60+ years) performed a 30-second balance test standing on one or two legs.
• Head and foot sway were measured using distance and area of movement.
• Cognitive impairment was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) under eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions.

Main Results:

• Head sway area on one leg correlated significantly with MMSE scores in eyes-open condition (r = -0.462).
• No significant correlation was found between two-leg stance sway and MMSE scores with eyes open.
• Increased sway magnitude with eyes closed showed a significant correlation with MMSE scores for head distance.

Conclusions:

• Head sway demonstrated a stronger correlation with cognitive impairment than foot sway.
• One-leg stance balance, specifically head sway area, shows potential as a predictor of cognitive impairment.
• Further research may refine the use of head sway as a non-invasive cognitive assessment tool.