Review ArticleImpact of cognitive fatigue on gait and sway among older adults: A literature review

- Cognitive fatigue may cause gait disturbances in older adults (≥ 65 years).
- Cognitive fatigue may increase postural sway in older adults.
- Cognitive fatigue may be considered a fall risk for older adults.
- Interventions to attenuate cognitive fatigue should be further explored.
- Studies should explore the role of cognitive fatigue in fall risk.

Cognitive fatigue is an alteration in central nervous system (CNS) processing due to prolonged performance of mentally demanding tasks. Decreased gait speed and increased stride length variability have been noted in cognitively fatigued older adults (≥ 65 years). Further, cognitive fatigue may weaken the visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems of the CNS, contributing to increased postural sway. Detriments in gait and sway caused by cognitive fatigue could increase fall risk. The objective of this literature review was to evaluate the impact of cognitive fatigue on changes in gait and postural sway and its role in fall risk.