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Dual-Task Stroop Paradigm for Detecting Cognitive Deficits in High-Functioning Stroke Patients
Published on: December 16, 2022
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Intra-individual variability in cognitive performance predicts falls in older adults with chronic stroke
Vrinda Dimri1,2,3, Jennifer C Davis4,5, Nárlon C Boa Sorte Silva6
1Aging, Mobility, and Cognitive Health Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Aging Clinical and Experimental Research
|December 31, 2025
Summary
Intra-individual variability (IIV) in cognitive performance, specifically reaction time consistency, predicts falls in older stroke survivors. This finding suggests IIV metrics could aid in fall risk screening post-stroke.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Stroke commonly causes motor and cognitive impairments, increasing fall risk and frailty in older adults.
- Intra-individual variability (IIV) in cognitive tasks, measured as reaction time consistency, is a potential fall predictor.
- Cognitive performance variability may offer insights into fall risk post-stroke.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if IIV or traditional reaction time (RT) measures predict falls in older adults with chronic stroke.
- Investigate the predictive value of cognitive performance variability for falls.
Main Methods:
- Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving community-dwelling adults (≥55 years) with stroke history.
- Measured IIV using residualised intraindividual standard deviation (rISD) on a Stroop Task.
- Tracked and adjudicated falls over a six-month period.
Main Results:
- 120 participants (mean age 70 years) experienced an average of 0.61 falls over six months.
- rISD for the congruent Stroop Task condition significantly predicted falls.
- A one-unit increase in rISD was associated with a 20.5% increase in fall rate.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive IIV metrics show potential for fall risk screening in post-stroke individuals.
- Further research is needed to explore interventions, like cognitive training, to improve IIV.
- IIV may serve as a novel biomarker for fall risk assessment after stroke.
