Age and Type of Task-Based Impact of Mental Fatigue on Balance: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

The role of cognition in balance control suggests that mental fatigue may negatively affect balance. However, cognitive involvement in balance control varies with the type or difficulty of the balance task and age. Steady-state balance tasks, such as quiet standing, are well-learned tasks executed automatically through reflex activities controlled by the brainstem and spinal cord. In contrast, novel, and challenging balance tasks, such as proactively controlling balance while walking over rugged terrain or reacting to unexpected external perturbations, may require cognitive processing. Furthermore, individuals with preexisting balance impairments due to aging or pathology may rely on cognitive processes to control balance in most circumstances. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effect of mental fatigue on different types of balance control tasks in young and older adults. A literature search was conducted in seven electronic databases and 12 studies met eligibility criteria. The results indicated that mental fatigue had a negative impact on both proactive (under increased cognitive load) and reactive balance in young adults. In older adults, mental fatigue affected steady-state and proactive balance. Therefore, mentally fatigued older individuals may be at increased risk of a loss of balance during steady-state balance task compared to their younger counterparts.

Keywords:

• mental fatigue
• balance control
• types of balance tasks
• aging

Authors contribution

Abubakar Tijjani Salihu: Conceptualization, Methodology, Formal Analysis, Data curation, writing-original draft preparation. Shapour Jaberzadeh: Conceptualization, Methodology, writing-Review, and editing. Keith D. Hill: Conceptualization, Methodology, writing-Review, and editing.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Availability of data and materials

All data generated or analyzed during this study is available and can be provided if required.

Additional information

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.