This project seeks to determine how post-stroke cognitive impairment moderates motor learning during walking in older adults with chronic stroke and identify brain structural markers that mediate this relationship. The chosen experimental design integrates biomechanical analyses, neuropsychological assessments, and brain imaging techniques to determine the impact of post-stroke cognitive impairment severity on two forms of motor learning (explicit and implicit) and examine the role of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in the relationship between cognition and explicit motor learning. Ultimately, this work may lead to the development of a more comprehensive, effective treatment approach to improve walking dysfunction in older adults post-stroke.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Unilateral stroke
• Stroke occurred more than 6 months prior
• Paresis confined to one side
• Independently ambulatory (including the use of assistive devices)
• Able to walk for 5 minutes without stopping
• Answers no to all general health questions on the PAR-Q+
• Willingness to complete study procedures

Exclusion Criteria:

• Brainstem or cerebellar stroke
• Aphasia (expressive, receptive, or global)
• Any major musculoskeletal or non-stroke neurological condition that interferes with the assessment of sensorimotor or cognitive function
• Metal in the head (except in the mouth), implanted cranial or thoracic devices that violate MRI safety regulations
• Uncontrolled hypertension (>160/110mmHg)
• Concurrent physical therapy
• Claustrophobia
• Significant cognitive deficit or dementia (<20 on MoCA)
• Inability to give informed consent

All de-identified data from our research that underlie results in a publication will be made available on the Open Science Framework.

data will be made available 6 months after publication