The relationship between the postual stability and cognitive ability

The analysis of longitudinal data in Yakumo Study

Abstract

The relation between the postural stability and cognitive ability (attention and logical memory) in healthy elderly people was examined using Yakumo Study longitudinal data. Based upon the regression coefficients for 11 years developmental changes from age 65 to 75 years old, participants were classified into two groups who have preserved digit cancelation test performances and who have shown a substantial decline. Performances of postural ability measured by Ronberg ratio (RQ) using stabilometer, digit cancelation test and logical memory test were compared between two groups. Results showed RQ and digit cancelation test performance were highly correlated while RQ and memory performance did not. These results suggest strong mutual relations between postural motor-kinesthetic function and prefrontal cortex related cognitive function.