What is meant by cognitive-motor interference?

Cognitive-motor interference refers to the competition that arises between cognitive demands and motor tasks when both are being performed simultaneously. This concept highlights how participation in cognitive activities can negatively impact motor performance, especially in individuals who may already have compromised motor function, such as stroke patients. During rehabilitation, increased cognitive load can lead to decreased efficiency or performance in motor tasks, as the brain's resources become divided. Therefore, understanding cognitive-motor interference is crucial in designing effective rehabilitation strategies that can optimize both cognitive and motor recovery processes.