Single Versus Dual-Task Performance Using a Novel Dual-Task Assessment in a Healthy Sample

Abstract

PURPOSE: The dual-task (DT) paradigm consists of concurrent performance of a cognitive and motor task. Varying DT methodologies have been used to observe subtle changes associated with sport concussion (SC). However, previously employed DT methodologies may not be translatable to the clinical setting. The purpose of the current study was to compare performance on commonly used cognitive and motor tasks administered separately and concurrently in a healthy collegiate sample. METHODS: Participants consisted of 60 (32 female, 28 male) recreationally active adults (Age: 20.5 ± 1.34 years, Height: 171.7 ± 9.33 cm, Mass: 69.25 ± 12.23 kg). Participants completed the single task (ST) assessment which consisted of the Standardized Assessment of Concussion (SAC) and four trials of the timed tandem gait (TTG) test separately. Participants then completed the SAC and TTG concurrently for the DT assessment. For the SAC, paired t-tests were used to compare ST and DT performance for immediate recall (10-item list), concentration (digit span, months in reverse order), and delayed recall domains as well as the composite score. For the TTG test, paired t-tests compared the best (fastest) time of the ST trials to the average values for each SAC domain. All analyses were performed with α = 0.05. RESULTS: SAC composite scores significantly improved by 2.3 ± 3.61 points from ST to DT performance (p < 0.001). Comparisons of all ST and DT domain and composite scores for the SAC and TTG are presented in Table 1. CONCLUSION: The DT assessment resulted in improved cognitive performance and decreased (slower) motor performance as compared to ST performance. Our findings align with related literature using more sophisticated assessment tools. The current findings suggest altered allocation of cognitive resources using commonly used clinical measures of cognition and motor control prior to and following a SC. Future research should investigate the current DT methodology in concussed athletes.