Impact of movement control, body water composition, and stress on cognitive function in humans

Compromised cognitive function can negatively affect our daily activities and quality of life. Even though researchers have studied specific factors influencing cognitive function, many areas remain under-studied and require closer examination.

First, as some cognitive testing tools contain a reaction time component, an accurate test result requires intact upper extremity movement. Therefore, people with movement impairment may automatically be penalized, leading to a lower cognitive score. Some people with compromised upper extremity movement may not be testable. Thus, we investigate whether people with movement impairment, such as spinal cord injuries, receive lower cognitive function scores. We also explore a way to mitigate the motor-induced penalty during cognitive testing.

Second, physical characteristics, such as weight, height, and physical activity, are known to be associated with cognition. Body water compartment information is another physical characteristic that can inform us about specific physiological aspects, including inflammation and edema. However, an association between body water compartment information and cognitive function has been under studied.

Third, young adults may face stressful situations. Stressful situations may result in physiological arousal, which may impact cognition. Heart rate variability may provide an estimate of physiological arousal. Even though physiological arousal may influence multiple brain regions, the impact of physiological arousal on cognitive function has not been thoroughly explored. Together, these results support the influence of movement control, body water in specific body compartments, and physiological arousal. Future studies in diverse populations are needed to identify the impact of these three factors in people with and without disabilities.