Characterization of cognitive-motor function in women who have experienced intimate partner violence-related brain injury

ABSTRACT Intimate partner violence (IPV) affects at least 1 in 3 women worldwide and up to 92% report symptoms consistent with brain injury (BI). Although a handful of studies have examined different aspects of brain structure and function in this population, none has characterized potential deficits in cognitive-motor function. This knowledge gap was addressed in the current study by having participants who had experienced IPV complete the bimanual Object Hit & Avoid (OHA) task on a Kinarm End-Point Lab. BI load, as assessed by the Brain Injury Severity Assessment (BISA) tool as well as measures of comorbidities (PTSD, anxiety, depression, substance use, history of abuse) were also collected. Results demonstrated BI load accounted for a significant amount of variability in the number of targets hit and average hand speed. PTSD, anxiety, and depression also contributed significantly to the variability in these measures as well as to the number and proportion of distractor hits, and the object processing rate. Taken together, these findings suggest IPV-related BI, as well as comorbid PTSD, anxiety, and depression, disrupt the processing required to quickly and accurately hit targets while avoiding distractors. This pattern of results reflects the complex interaction between the physical injuries induced by the episodes of IPV and the resulting impacts these experiences have on mental health.