The Effects of Various Cognitive Tasks Including Working Memory, Visuospatial, and Executive Function on Postural...

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Neuroscience
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture significantly affects postural control.
• Dual-tasking, involving simultaneous cognitive and motor activities, further challenges balance in individuals with ACL injury.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of different cognitive loads on postural control in individuals with ACL injury.
• To compare postural and cognitive performance between ACL-injured and healthy participants under varying cognitive and postural demands.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-seven ACL-injured and 27 healthy participants performed cognitive tasks (working memory, visuospatial, executive function) while standing on rigid and foam surfaces.
• Postural control was assessed using center of pressure (sway area, velocity).
• Cognitive performance was measured by task accuracy and error rates.

Main Results:

• ACL-injured individuals exhibited greater postural sway compared to healthy controls.
• A significant interaction revealed ACL patients made more cognitive errors, especially on foam surfaces.
• Cognitive tasks reduced postural sway in both groups, but ACL patients prioritized posture over cognitive accuracy.

Conclusions:

• Individuals with ACL injury demonstrate impaired dual-task performance, particularly under increased postural difficulty.
• ACL patients adopt a 'posture-first' strategy, sacrificing cognitive performance to maintain balance.
• These findings highlight the complex interplay between cognitive function, postural control, and ACL injury recovery.