Received: 28 Apr , 2013 Accepted: 2 Jul , 2013

Abstract

Background & Aims: We investigated the association between cognitive deficits and the presence of functional balance problems in right adult stroke patients in order to elucidate a potential role of cognitive deficits in ADL complications,

Material & Methods: This study was conducted on a total of 20 patients with right adult stroke patients between 45-65 years old passing at least 6 months from their CVA were recruited through the outpatient clinic at rehabilitation faculty in Shafa hospital. To study the association between cognitive deficits and functional balance problems, we assessed the correlation. Functional balance was measured using Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and cognitive abilities were measured by Lowenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment (LOTCA).

Results: There were meaningful correlation between visual perception, spatial perception, visuomotor organization, motor praxis, and functional balance (p<0.05). There was no meaningful correlation between orientation, thinking operations, and functional balance (p>0.05).

Conclusion: There was a significantly positive correlation between cognitive deficits and functional balance problems in right adult stroke patients, especially in visual perception, spatial perception, and visuomotor organization. Further, our findings suggest that assessment of cognitive abilities may be used as a prognostic factor for functional balance problems in ADL activities in right adult stroke patients.