Individuals with limb amputation/difference learn to use prostheses that cannot fully replicate the innate control and function of an intact limb. The resulting reduced automaticity of coordinated movement associated with prosthesis use can lead to increased cognitive load and perceived effort. Theoretically, more complex tasks or trying to divide attention between multiple tasks can tax the available cognitive resources to the extent that task performance is impacted negatively. Therefore, measuring cognitive load and effort has a potentially important place in a comprehensive analysis of task performance. A variety of methods have been described in the literature, including physiological, performance-based, and self-report measures. However, use of the methods and their application within clinical decision-making is limited. This symposium will overview the underlying anatomy and physiology involved in cognitive load during physical activity and then focus on recent research measuring the effort required to perform ambulatory activities in persons with lower limb amputation/difference. Insights will be shared highlighting how the measures could be used in clinical practice and rehabilitation research, including how cognitive load may be influenced by personal characteristics, the type of prosthesis used, and the task(s) involved.
Statement of the objective / learning objectives
1. Overview theory and relevance of cognitive load in person with limb amputation/difference
2. Describe evidence for different methods to assess cognitive load and effort
3. Discuss how the measures could inform clinical decision-making
