The effect of attentıon on postural control

A neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts both attention and motor function, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often continues into adulthood. Although balance problems in children with ADHD are well-documented, adult populations remain under-researched. Postural control requires cognitive engagement, especially under dual-task conditions. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between postural control and sustained attention in individuals with potential ADHD traits (pADHDt), identified via the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS). Participants aged 18–30 were categorized into two groups based on ASRS scores: Group 1 (ASRS >14; n=21) and Group 2 (ASRS <14; n=21). The Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART) was used to assess attention performance. Postural control variables— medial-lateral (M-L) and anterior-posterior (A-P) sway velocity, and center of pressure (CoP) area measured by using the ProKin 252 stabilometer across different stance conditions (two-foot, tandem, soft surface), with and without a verbal dual task (backward counting), under eyes open and closed conditions. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni correction for post-hoc comparisons. SART results showed that Group 1 made more total errors and had longer reaction times than Group 2 (p<0.05). In terms of balance, Group 1 exhibited significantly larger CoP area during dual-task conditions in the two-foot and tandem stances with eyes open (p=0.048; p=0.047), and in tandem stance with eyes closed (p=0.040; p=0.020). No significant group differences were found in sway velocities. These results suggest that cognitive load negatively affects balance in individuals with pADHDt. Incorporating balance training into therapeutic programs may support attentional regulation in this population.