ABSTRACT
Objective: Executive functions refer to a group of higher-order cognitive processes responsible for self-regulated and targeted behaviors. This study aimed to investigate the effects of age and gender on executive functions focusing on three distinct areas of attentional control, planning and set-shifting among18-80 year-old healthy subjects
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled a total of 200 healthy adults [100 women and 100 men] 18-80 years of age living in Tehran. Sampling was done through a random stratified cluster procedure with regard to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Each area of the executive functions was evaluated using Stroop test for attentional control, Tower of London [ToL] test for planning and problem-solving and Wisconsin test for set-shifting. The correlation between age and components of executive functions was evaluated through Pearson correlation test. Moreover, the differences between age groups were examined by ANOVA while the correlation between gender and components of the executive functions was examined by t-test
Results: Age was significantly correlated with all subscales of Stroop test except time-interference, with the total number of errors and the overall result from ToL and all subscales of Wisconsin [P<0.001], R=0.49]. There were no gender effect on executive functions except for the total time [t=-2.09, p=0.037] and the number of errors [t=-9.2, p=0.004] in ToL test which was significantly higher in women than men
Conclusion: The executive functions including attentional control, planning and set-shifting was shown to be decreased by age. Problem-solving and planning were better in men than women
ABSTRACT
Objectives: Stroke is one of the most common neurological diseases and it is the main cause of physical and mental disability and staying in house. Gait difficulties have high incidence in patients with stroke. So the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of gait retraining on balance, activities of daily living, quality of life and depression in stroke patients
Methods: This study was a clinical trial without control group. Sampling was performed by convenience sampling method and 18 patients participated. After recording demographic data, Berg Balance Scale, Barthel Index, SF36 questionnaire and Beck Depression Inventory-II used in pre-test and post-test to assess balance, activities of daily living, quality of life and depression, respectively. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and paired T-test.
Results: The results showed statistically significant correlation in pre-test and difference between mean score of the all instruments before and after the intervention.
Discussion: According to high prevalence of gait difficulties in stroke patients, it seems interventions in this area were necessary. Statistical results showed that the gait retraining intervention may have a positive effect on improving balance, activities of daily living, quality of life and depression of these patients. According to lack of information in this area, further research is needed.