Citation

Grobe S, Kakar RS, Smith ML, Mehta R, Baghurst T, Boolani A. Prev. Med. Rep. 2017; 6: 88-93.

Affiliation

Clarkson University, Dept. of Physical Therapy, Potsdam, NY 13699, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.pmedr.2017.02.016

PMID

28271026

Abstract

Cognitive fatigue is an alteration in central nervous system (CNS) processing due to prolonged performance of mentally demanding tasks. Decreased gait speed and increased stride length variability have been noted in cognitively fatigued older adults (≥ 65 years). Further, cognitive fatigue may weaken the visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems of the CNS, contributing to increased postural sway. Detriments in gait and sway caused by cognitive fatigue could increase fall risk. The objective of this literature review was to evaluate the impact of cognitive fatigue on changes in gait and postural sway and its role in fall risk.

Language: en

Keywords

Cognitive fatigue; Elderly; Fall risk; Falls; Gait; Mental fatigue; Older adults; Sway