Postural balance and cognitive functions: interaction and significance for rehabilitation (scientific review)

Abstract

The study analyses the patterns of postural-cognitive interaction and their possible application in physical rehabilitation. The morphofunctional basis of the relationship between postural balance and cognitive functions is considered, particularly the role of the vestibular system in cognitive processes and the participation of cognitive functions in the regulation of equilibrium. The interaction patterns between postural balance and cognitive functions were analyzed, including the global nature of postural-cognitive interaction, influence of multitasking, and type of motor task (static or dynamic), its complexity, novelty and variability. The review presents the prospects and advantages of the practical application of the concept of postural-cognitive interaction in physical rehabilitation. These include the use of cognitive training methods in rehabilitation programs, which, due to the positive transfer of the effect of training, improves cognitive functions and postural stability and increases the ability to perform two or more tasks, including those related to activities of daily living. Vestibular training is another promising area of practical application of interaction between cognitive functions and postural balance; accordingly, vestibular–cognitive interaction contributes to the improvement of cognitive status. Considering the social significance of neurocognitive disorders and the importance of their early diagnosis, issues related to the identification of objective correlates and predictors of cognitive decline, particularly the basic spatial and spatiotemporal parameters of static posturography and stabilometric indices, are taken into account.