Cognition as a Moderator of Motor Learning Post-stroke
This project seeks to determine how post-stroke cognitive impairment moderates motor learning during walking in older adults with chronic stroke and identify brain structural markers that mediate this relationship. The chosen experimental design integrates biomechanical analyses, neuropsychological assessments, and brain imaging techniques to determine the impact of post-stroke cognitive impairment severity on two forms of motor learning (explicit and implicit) and examine the role of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in the relationship between cognition and explicit motor learning. Ultimately, this work may lead to the development of a more comprehensive, effective treatment approach to improve walking dysfunction in older adults post-stroke.
• Unilateral stroke
• Stroke occurred more than 6 months prior
• Paresis confined to one side
• Independently ambulatory (including the use of assistive devices)
• Able to walk for 5 minutes without stopping
• Answers no to all general health questions on the PAR-Q+
• Willingness to complete study procedures