Cognitive Dual-task Performance Research Articles

The impact of sociodemographic, psychological, and quality of life factors on dual-task performance in elderly individuals: a cross-sectional study in Iraq

Objective This study aims to explore how sociodemographic, psychological, and quality of life factors impact dual-task performance among elderly individuals in Iraq. Methods This cross-sectional study included 384 healthy community-dwelling participants aged 60 years and over, recruited from Najaf, Iraq. Data were collected using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21), Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Form (WHOQOL-BREF). Dual-task performance was assessed using the Nine-Hole Peg Test (NHPT) combined with a cognitive task of counting backward by threes. Correlation and multivariate regression analyses were conducted to determine the predictors of cognitive dual-task performance. Results Among the WHOQOL domains, only physical health significantly predicted dual-task performance for both dominant and non-dominant hands (β = 0.234, p = 0.041; β = 0.263, p = 0.025, respectively), underscoring the importance of physical well-being in cognitive-motor functions. Psychological factors (depression, anxiety, and stress) measured by DASS-21 did not significantly predict dual-task performance. The model explained a small part of the variance in dual-task performance, suggesting that other factors may influence these abilities in elderly individuals. Conclusion While psychological factors measured by DASS-21 did not significantly impact dual-task performance, the overall quality of life remained essential. These insights can inform the design of elderly care programs.

Changes of neural coupling between cognitive and motor networks associated with dual-task performance in Parkinson's disease.

Although cognitive control is essential for efficient gait, the associations between cognitive and motor networks regarding gait in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) remain to be determined. Herein, we enrolled 28 PD and 28 controls to compare internetwork coupling among cognitive and motor networks and examine its relationship with single- and dual-task gait performance in PD. The dorsal attention network (DAN), left and right frontoparietal control networks (FPNs), sensorimotor network, and lateral motor network were identified using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data. The time taken to complete a 10-m walk test during cognitive or physical dual-tasks in PD was calculated representing gait performance. We observed that the internetwork couplings between the DAN and motor networks and between the motor networks decreased whereas those between the left FPN and DAN and motor networks increased in PD compared to controls using a permutation test. There was no significant correlation between the internetwork couplings and single- and dual-task gait performance in PD. Nevertheless, improved cognitive dual-task performance showed a positive correlation with the DAN and left FPN coupling and a negative correlation with the DAN and lateral motor network coupling in a good performance group. The opposite relationship was observed in the poor cognitive dual-task performance group. Our findings suggest a neural mechanism of cognitive control on gait to compensate for reduced goal-directed attention in PD who maintain cognitive dual-task performance.

Fully immersive virtual reality exergames with dual-task components for patients with Parkinson’s disease: a feasibility study

BackgroundDual-task training in Parkinson’s disease (PD) improves spatiotemporal gait parameters, cognition, and quality of life. Virtual reality (VR) has been used as a therapeutic tool for patients to participate in activities in a safe environment, engage in multisensory experiences, and improve motivation and interest in rehabilitation. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of fully immersive VR exergames with dual-task components in patients with PD.MethodsWe developed VR exergames (go/no-go punch game, go/no-go stepping game, and number punch game) to improve habitual behavior control using motor–cognitive dual-task performance in patients with PD. The participants underwent 10 sessions 2–3 times a week, consisting of 30 min per session. The Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale, Timed Up and Go test (TUG) under single- and dual-task (cognitive and physical) conditions, Berg balance scale (BBS), Stroop test, trail-making test, and digit span were evaluated before and after intervention. The Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) was used to assess VR cybersickness. Usability was assessed using a self-reported questionnaire.ResultsTwelve patients were enrolled and completed the entire training session. The mean age of participants was 73.83 ± 6.09 years; mean disease duration was 128.83 ± 76.96 months. The Hoehn and Yahr stages were 2.5 in seven patients and 3 in five patients. A significant improvement was observed in BBS and Stroop color–word test (p = 0.047 and p = 0.003, respectively). TUG time and dual-task interferences showed positive changes, but these changes were not statistically significant. The median SSQ total score was 28.05 (IQR: 29.92), 13.09 (IQR: 11.22), and 35.53 (IQR: 52.36) before, after the first session, and after the final session, respectively; the differences were not significant. Overall satisfaction with the intervention was 6.0 (IQR: 1.25) on a 7-point Likert-type scale.ConclusionsFully immersive VR exergames combined with physical and cognitive tasks may be used for rehabilitation of patients with PD without causing serious adverse effects. Furthermore, the exergames using dual-task components improved executive function and balance. Further development of VR training content may be needed to improve motor and dual-task performances.Trial registration NCT04787549 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04787549)

Motor and cognitive dual-task performance under low and high task complexity in children with and without developmental coordination disorder

BackgroundIn everyday life, tasks are often performed simultaneously, which may be more difficult for children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) than their peers. AimsTo examine (1) the effects of task complexity and type of concurrent task on dual-task performance in children with and without DCD; and (2) if the amount of effort that children put into the task performance differs between the groups. MethodsParticipants were 64 children with and without DCD (aged 7–14 years). The dual-task paradigm consisted of a manual dexterity task of relatively low complexity (box and block test) or relatively high complexity (pegboard task), and a concurrent motor task (cycling task) or a concurrent cognitive task (word-listening task). To assess mental effort, children were asked how tired they felt before and after the experiment. ResultsDual-task interference was highest when the manual dexterity task of relatively high complexity was combined with the concurrent motor task. There were no group differences in dual-task interference, but children with DCD reported a larger increase in the level of tiredness after the experiment indicative of greater mental effort. ConclusionsDepending on task demands, children with DCD are able to perform dual-tasks at the same level as their peers, but performance may take children with DCD more mental effort.

Development of a mobile application for assessing reaction time in walking and TUG duration: Concurrent validity in female older adults.

The TUG can be used to distinguish between people who fall and people who don't fall. To evaluate cognitive dual-task performance while walking for fall prediction, TUG-dual was frequently employed. A recent study has created a mobile application that enables simple interaction to provide greater convenience for monitoring the duration of TUG, TUG-subtraction, and reaction time. The research aim was to ascertain the concurrent validity of the mobile application that was developed for the clinical assessment of TUG, TUG-subtraction, and reaction time. Twenty-nine older persons participated in this study. The testing protocol involved the TUG, TUG-subtraction, and reaction time assessment. For TUG and TUG-subtraction, the duration to complete the task was recorded by the APDM Mobility Lab system and the mobile application. For the reaction time tests, the reaction times (msec) were recorded by the Multi Choice Reaction timer and the Mobile application. The TUG durations recorded by the APDM Mobility Lab system were correlated with those recorded by the mobile application to verify the concurrent validity using Pearson's product moment correlation coefficient. Also, the reaction time by the Multi Choice Reaction timer was correlated with the mobile application. Bland-Altman plots were used to explore the existence of any systematic differences between the measurements. Our results showed very strong correlations between the TUG and TUG-subtraction duration derived from the APDM Mobility Lab system and the mobile application (r = 0.96 and 0.96, respectively). For the reaction time, the results showed a moderate correlation between the reaction time derived from the mobile application and the Multi Choice Reaction Timer (r = 0.67). The mobile application, which allows measurement in TUG and TUG-subtraction, is a highly valid tool for TUG duration assessment. However, this application is capable for assess the reaction time with moderate validity for reaction time assessment.

The effects of Baduanjin exercise vs. brisk walking on physical fitness and cognition in middle-aged patients with schizophrenia: A randomized controlled trial.

ObjectivePatients with schizophrenia have deficits in physical and cognitive function that may become salient in their middle ages. These deficits need active intervention to prevent functional decline. Baduanjin and brisk walking show promise as interventions in patients with schizophrenia. This study investigated the effects of Baduanjin exercise vs. brisk walking in middle-aged patients with schizophrenia.MethodsIn this single-blind, 2-arm, parallel, randomized controlled trial, 48 participants aged older than 40 years were enrolled and assigned to the intervention group (Baduanjin) or the control group (brisk walking). The training of both groups took place twice a week, 60 min per session, for 12 weeks. The participants were evaluated with physical, cognitive, and functional outcomes at baseline, postintervention, and 4 weeks after the intervention.ResultsThe results of the study demonstrated significant time effects in walking distance (p = 0.035, η2 = 0.094) and lower extremity strength (p = 0.006, η2 = 0.152). Post-hoc analysis revealed both groups had significant improvement in changes from baseline to the postintervention assessment (ps < 0.05) and follow-up (ps < 0.05). The results demonstrated a significant group-by-time interaction in change scores of global cognition (F = 7.01, p = 0.011, η2 = 0.133). Post-hoc analysis revealed a significant improvement in the Baduanjin group from baseline to postintervention (p = 0.021), but the improvements were not maintained at the follow-up assessment (p = 0.070). The results also demonstrated significant group effects in balance function (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.283), motor dual-task performance (p = 0.026, η2 = 0.103), and cognitive dual-task performance (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.307). Post-hoc analysis revealed that the Baduanjin group improved more than the brisk walking group in the above outcomes (ps < 0.05).ConclusionThis study demonstrated the differential effects of Baduanjin exercise and brisk walking in middle-aged patients with schizophrenia. Baduanjin might be a beneficial regimen for improving physical and cognitive function in this population. Further research with a larger sample is warranted.Clinical trial registration[ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [202000817B0C602].

The Relationship Between Dual-Task Performance and Functional Independence in Stroke Patients

Purpose: Dual-task performance have a role in independent motor functions such as gait and balance. Although walking and balance parameters are important in functional independence, the level of independence is a complex condition affected by many factors. The aim of this cross-sectional study is to investigate the relationship between dual-task performance and functional independence levels in stroke patients.&#x0D; Material and Methods: 26 hemiplegic patients were included in this research in a tertiary healthcare institution. The participants’ independence levels were evaluated by the functional independence mesasure(FIM). Single task performance, motor dual-task performance, and cognitive dual-task performance were evaluated by calculating walking time in a 10-meter walking test. The relationship between dual-task interference and functional independence level was examined by Spearman correlation analysis.&#x0D; Results: The motor dual-task interference was found as 0.7 (0.0-0.26) and the cognitive dual-task interference was found as 0.19 (0.05-0.38). There was a negative, moderate, and statistically significant correlation between the FIM score and the motor dual-task interference (r = -0.48, p = 0.01). However, no significant correlation was detected between FIM score and cognitive dual-task interference (p = 0.16).&#x0D; Conclusion: The level of functional independence in stroke patients is associated with motor dual-task interference. Rehabilitation programs that improve dual-task performance can increase the functional independence levels of stroke patients.

Effects of Exergame-Based Dual-Task Training on Executive Function and Dual-Task Performance in Community-Dwelling Older People: A Randomized-Controlled Trial.

Objective: Aging is associated with decline in executive function that may lead to reduced dual-task performance. Regular exercise has been recommended for promoting or maintaining mental and physical health in older adults, yet only a fraction of older adults exercise regularly. Exergame training may have the potential to enhance exercise adherence. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effects of exergame-based dual-task training on executive function and dual-task performance in community-dwelling older adults. Materials and Methods: This was a single-blinded, randomized-controlled trial. Twenty community-dwelling older adults were recruited and randomly assigned to one of two groups. All participants completed 36 trainings, including three 60-minute sessions/week over 12 weeks. Participants in the experimental group received exergame-based dual-task training, while those in the control group received home-based multicomponent exercise training. Measures of executive function, dual-task performance, and community walking ability were assessed before and after the intervention. Results: Significant group × time interactions (P = 0.000-0.027) with large effects were found in all selected outcome measures. Compared with the control group, the experimental group improved significantly in measures of general executive function (P = 0.014), inhibitory control (P = 0.037), cognitive dual-task performance (P < 0.001), and community walking ability (P = 0.002). Enhanced general executive function was highly correlated with either improved motor dual-task performance (r = 0.674) or improved cognitive dual-task performance (r = -0.701). Conclusion: These results suggested that exergame-based dual-task training improved both executive function and dual-task performance in older people. These positive effects could be transferred to enhance community walking ability. Clinical Trial Registration number: ACTRN 12617000095369.

The effects of virtual reality augmented robot-assisted gait training on dual-task performance and functional measures in chronic stroke: a randomized controlled single-blind trial

Many studies have demonstrated positive effects of virtual reality (VR) and robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) on balance, gait skills, functional capacity, active participation, and motivation in stroke patients, previously. However, the effects of VR augmented RAGT on dual-task performance which requires simultaneous use of motor and cognitive parameters have not been investigated. To primarily investigate the effects of virtual reality (VR) augmented robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) on dual-task performance and secondarily, functional measurements in chronic stroke patients. A randomized, single-blind trial. Inpatient rehabilitation center. The study included 30 chronic stroke patients aged between 40-65 with the level of ≥3 from Functional Ambulation Classification and ≥24 from the Standardized Mini Mental State Examination. Fifteen patients in the study group received VR augmented RAGT and 15 patients in the control group received only RAGT during 12 sessions (six weeks). All patients received neurodevelopmental therapy in addition to their treatments, simultaneously. To evaluate dual-task performance, motor and cognitive tasks were given in addition to the 10 Meter Walk (first motor task), and durations were recorded in seconds. Functional measures such as Functional Gait Assessment, Rivermead Mobility Index, Berg Balance Scale, Fall Activity Scale International, and the Functional Independence Measure for gait, mobility, balance, fear of falling, and independence in daily living activities were also applied, consecutively. The mean age of the study population was 57.93±5.91. After the treatment, single and dual-task gait speeds and cognitive dual-task performance increased in the study group (P<0.05), while no change was observed in the control group (P>0.05). No significant difference was detected between the groups in terms of all assessments after the treatment (P>0.05). This study demonstrated that VR augmented RAGT improved dual-task gait speeds and dual-task performance of chronic stroke patients; however, there were no difference between the two groups after the treatment. Although functional improvements were determined with VR combined RAGT approach, it was not superior to RAGT only treatment. The results of current study suggest the simultaneous use of VR as an adjunct therapy method to the functional training to obtain functional gains in ambulant patients with chronic stroke.

The Effect of Acute Caffeine Ingestion on Cognitive Dual Task Performance during Assessment of Static and Dynamic Balance in Older Adults.

The present work aimed to evaluate the effect of 3 mg·kg−1 caffeine consumption on the standing and dynamic balance performance of older adults and sought to establish if caffeine ingestion can modulate the influence of a cognitive dual task on balance performance. Twelve apparently healthy participants (8 females) aged >65 years (72 ± 3.7 years) completed the study. Bipedal postural sway, four square step test, timed up and go, Y-balance (anterior reach only) and force-time characteristics of sit-to-stand performance were used to assess standing and dynamic balance. Attention and working memory were assessed using a serial 3s and 7s subtraction task during seated rest and completion of the bipedal standing assessment and Y-balance test. This battery of assessments was completed on two separate occasions, once following the consumption of a non-ergogenic placebo and again following the consumption of 3 mg·kg−1 caffeine. The administration of treatments was randomised, counterbalanced and double-blind. Caffeine reduced performance in the bipedal standing balance assessments, evidenced by an increase in COPML, COPPath, COPVelocity. Performance during the dynamic balance tests was unaffected, other than rate of force development during the sit-to-stand, which was improved following caffeine ingestion. The introduction of a cognitive dual task had either limited effects, or improved facets of bipedal standing balance, whilst performance during the dynamic balance task was significantly reduced. In both balance assessments, there was evidence for a reduction in the performance of the cognitive task when both the balance and cognitive tests were performed simultaneously, with this effect not modulated by caffeine consumption. These findings refute the idea that caffeine ingestion may have positive effects on balance performance. However, despite a caffeine-induced reduction in bipedal standing balance, it is unlikely that caffeine ingestion would exacerbate fall risk given the limited effects in the dynamic balance tests. Future work should establish if these effects are generalisable to older frail participants and if caffeine can modulate the detrimental effects of an acute exercise bout on balance performance.

Investigation of non-motor symptoms, balance, muscle strength, and functional mobility in patients with parkinson’s disease

Purpose Although both motor symptoms and non-motor symptoms (NMSs) occur in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), clinical practice focuses more on motor symptoms. The aim of this study was to examine balance, muscle strength, and mobility in relation with NMSs in patients with PD. The other aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between NMSs and muscle strength, balance, and functional mobility in PD. Materials and methods The study included 24 patients with PD (between Hoehn & Yahr Stage 1 and 3) and 20 healthy individuals of similar age and sex. The participants' balance was assessed with the Biodex Balance System (Biodex Medical Systems, Shirley, NY, USA), muscle strength assessments were conducted with a Biodex® System 4 Dynamometer device, and functional mobility was assessed with the Timed Up and Go test (TUG). The non-motor symptoms scale was used for NMSs. Results We found that lower extremity strength scores were lower and NMSs, balance, and mobility scores were greater in patients with PD in comparison to healthy controls (p < 0.05). The correlation analysis revealed that higher NMSs were related to reduced knee extension strength and cognitive dual task performance. Conclusion Although no relationship between NMSs and balance was observed, the relationship between the TUG + cognitive task and muscle strength suggests that NMSs should be carefully evaluated along with the motor symptoms, which deteriorate beginning with the early period.

Short-Term Effects of Single-Session Split-Belt Treadmill Training on Dual-Task Performance in Parkinson's Disease and Healthy Elderly.

Background: Dual-tasking is challenging for people with Parkinson's disease and freezing of gait (PD+FOG) and can exacerbate freezing episodes and falls. Split-belt treadmill training (SBT) is a novel tool to train complex gait and may improve dual-task (DT) walking and turning.Objective: To investigate the single-session effects of SBT on DT walking and DT turning performance in PD+FOG and older adults (OA), compared to regular treadmill training.Methods: Forty-five PD+FOG and 36 OA participated in a single training session (30 min). They were randomized into one of four training groups: (A) SB75—steady belt speed ratio 0.75:1; (B) SB50—steady belt speed ratio 0.5:1; (C) SBCR—changing belt speed ratios between 0.75:1 and 0.5:1; and (D) Tied-Belt (TBT). Over-ground straight-line gait and an alternating turning in place task combined with a cognitive dual-task (DT) (auditory Stroop) were assessed pre- and post-training, and the following day (retention). Constrained longitudinal data analysis was used to investigate the training effects for all participants and for PD+FOG alone.Results: DT gait speed improved at post-training for all groups (p < 0.001). However, SBT (SB50 and SBCR) led to larger post-training improvements compared to TBT, which were still visible at retention (SB50). For mean DT turning speed and Stroop response time while walking, only SBT groups showed significant improvements at post-training or retention. DT stride length, peak DT turning speed, and Stroop performance index while walking also showed larger gains in SBT compared to TBT. Results for PD+FOG alone showed similar effects although with smaller effect sizes.Conclusions: A single session of SBT in PD+FOG and OA showed larger short-term effects on DT walking and turning compared to TBT. Cognitive DT performance was also improved in SBT, likely due to reduced cortical control of gait. These results illustrate the potential for SBT to improve DT during complex gait and possibly reduce fall risk in clinical and healthy populations.

Behavioral and Neural Correlates of Cognitive-Motor Interference during Multitasking in Young and Old Adults.

The concurrent performance of cognitive and postural tasks is particularly impaired in old adults and associated with an increased risk of falls. Biological aging of the cognitive and postural control system appears to be responsible for increased cognitive-motor interference effects. We examined neural and behavioral markers of motor-cognitive dual-task performance in young and old adults performing spatial one-back working memory single and dual tasks during semitandem stance. On the neural level, we used EEG to test for age-related modulations in the frequency domain related to cognitive-postural task load. Twenty-eight healthy young and 30 old adults participated in this study. The tasks included a postural single task, a cognitive-postural dual task, and a cognitive-postural triple task (cognitive dual-task with postural demands). Postural sway (i.e., total center of pressure displacements) was recorded in semistance position on an unstable surface that was placed on top of a force plate while performing cognitive tasks. Neural activation was recorded using a 64-channel mobile EEG system. EEG frequencies were attenuated by the baseline postural single-task condition and demarcated in nine Regions-of-Interest (ROIs), i.e., anterior, central, posterior, over the cortical midline, and both hemispheres. Our findings revealed impaired cognitive dual-task performance in old compared to young participants in the form of significantly lower cognitive performance in the triple-task condition. Furthermore, old adults compared with young adults showed significantly larger postural sway, especially in cognitive-postural task conditions. With respect to EEG frequencies, young compared to old participants showed significantly lower alpha-band activity in cognitive-cognitive-postural triple-task conditions compared with cognitive-postural dual tasks. In addition, with increasing task difficulty, we observed synchronized theta and delta frequencies, irrespective of age. Task-dependent alterations of the alpha frequency band were most pronounced over frontal and central ROIs, while alterations of the theta and delta frequency bands were found in frontal, central, and posterior ROIs. Theta and delta synchronization exhibited a decrease from anterior to posterior regions. For old adults, task difficulty was reflected by theta synchronization in the posterior ROI. For young adults, it was reflected by alpha desynchronization in bilateral anterior ROIs. In addition, we could not identify any effects of task difficulty and age on the beta frequency band. Our results shed light on age-related cognitive and postural declines and how they interact. Modulated alpha frequencies during high cognitive-postural task demands in young but not old adults might be reflective of a constrained neural adaptive potential in old adults. Future studies are needed to elucidate associations between the identified age-related performance decrements with task difficulty and changes in brain activity.

Table Tennis Experts Outperform Novices in a Demanding Cognitive-Motor Dual-Task Situation

Theories on motor skill acquisition predict that earlier learning stages require more attention, which should lead to higher cognitive-motor dual-task interference in novices as compared to experts. Expert and novice table tennis players returned balls from a ball machine while concurrently performing an auditory 3-back task (working memory). The groups did not differ in 3-back performance in the single task. Cognitive dual-task performance reductions were more pronounced in novices. A similar pattern emerged for the number of missed balls in table tennis, except that experts outperformed novices already in the single task. Experts consistently showed costs of about 10%, while novices showed costs between 30% and 50%. The findings indicate that performances of novices suffer considerably in motor-cognitive dual-task situations.

Higher cardiovascular fitness level is associated to better cognitive dual-task performance in Master Athletes: Mediation by cardiac autonomic control

Introduction/PurposeThis study compared cognitive performances and cardiac autonomic measures of higher fit and lower fit middle-aged and older highly active adults. The working hypotheses were that higher fit (master athletes) would show cognitive benefits in executive control conditions due to a high level of fitness compared to lower fit people and that this effect would be mediated by better cardiac autonomic adaptations in athletes. MethodsWe recruited 39 highly active middle aged and older adults from Master Athletes’ organizations. All participants performed a Rockport walking test and a computerized dual-task. Cardiac autonomic control was assessed with a measure of heart rate variability. Based on the V̇O2max estimated by the Rockport test, a median split was performed to assess the influence of fitness level on cognitive performance and the link with heart rate variability. Those with the highest fitness level were considered Master Athletes. ResultsMaster Athletes showed better dual-task performances than lower fit individuals. A positive relationship between the V̇O2max and dual-task performances was also observed. Master Athletes demonstrated a lower resting HR and higher RR interval than lower fit individuals, and this index was specifically related to the executive conditions of the dual task. ConclusionOur results highlight the role of fitness level on executive function in highly active middle aged and older adults and suggest that the better performances observed in highly fit individuals is mediated by cardiac autonomic control.

Impact of age and obstacle negotiation on timing measures of gait initiation

IntroductionThe separate and combined impacts of age and walkway obstruction on reaction time, anticipatory postural adjustment phases of gait initiation and cognitive dual task performance are not well understood. This study aimed to a) examine the impact of age and task complexity on reaction and anticipatory postural adjustment phases separately b) examine the impact of age and walkway obstruction on cognitive task performance while walking. MethodNineteen older adults (mean age± SD: 66.73 ± 3.38 years) and twelve younger adults (mean age± SD: 26.5 ± 4.37 years), participated in this study. The tests were performed in four conditions: a smooth walkway; a smooth walkway with concurrent cognitive task; an obstructed walkway; and an obstructed walkway with a concurrent cognitive task. Reaction and anticipatory postural adjustment phases were measured from the recorded center of pressure trajectory data. ResultsReaction time phase was significantly longer in the older group (P = 0.04), but there was no significant impact of task complexity (P = 0.95). Conversely, there was a significant impact of task complexity on anticipatory postural adjustment phase (P = 0.04), but there was no significant difference between the age groups (P = 0.38). Cognitive task response time was not significantly different between age groups or with walkway obstruction (P = 0.19 and P = 0.90 respectively).There were no significant interactions between age group and task complexity. ConclusionReaction time phase but not anticipatory postural adjustment phase was longer in healthy older than younger adults. Anticipatory postural adjustment phase but not reaction time phase was slower for more complex gait initiation tasks. Cognitive task performance was similar across age groups and conditions.

Training effects on motor–cognitive dual-task performance in older adults

Abstract This systematic review investigated whether healthy older adults benefit from training interventions in motor–cognitive dual-task (DT) situations and which specific aspects of the intervention and/or task selection contribute to training benefits. Training effects were analysed with regard to the training programme (e.g., general ST or DT training) and task conditions (e.g., standing or walking, complexity of secondary cognitive task). Literature was searched via OVIDsp (Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO). DT studies were included by the following criteria: (1) investigation of at least one motor task, (2) assessment of DT performance outcomes on standing or walking, (3) conduction of an intervention, and (4) investigation of older adults in an experimental–control group design or an old–young comparison. Thirteen studies met all inclusion criteria. Four types of interventions were identified: (1) general single-task (ST) motor training, (2) specific ST motor training, (3) general DT training, and (4) task-related (specific) DT training. For DT standing conditions only DT interventions improved motor performance, whereas DT walking also benefits by ST training. Most benefits on motor and cognitive performance seem to be reached by DT training interventions whereas a GST produced lowest effects. Thus, balance orientated motor and cognitive DT performance in healthy older adults can be improved by performance related exercises. Furthermore, to reach beneficial effects, it seems necessary that the training intervention includes a certain level of exercise load such as rising difficulties, appropriate intensity and duration, a certain level of task specificity, and variable task prioritization. The transfer of training effects into everyday situations needs to be further investigated.

Effects of motor and cognitive dual-task performance in depressive elderly, healthy older adults, and healthy young individuals.

Impairments in dual-task performance can be observed in healthy older adults when motor and cognitive assignments are applied simultaneously. According to the hypofrontality hypothesis, there may be a reduction in frontal cognitive function during exercise.ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to compare the performance changes on cognitive tests of depressive elderly (n=10), healthy older adults (n=10), and healthy young individuals (n=10) during cycle ergometer exercise.MethodsThe groups were submitted to a working memory test, a short memory test and a semantic memory test, before and during a 20-minute cycle ergometer exercise at 80% of their age-predicted maximal heart rate.ResultsSignificant differences (p=0.04) were observed in scores on the digit backward test during exercise when young individuals were compared to healthy older adults. This result indicates that young subjects, as expected, had better performance than elderly. No significant differences were found among the groups for the digit forward subtest (p=0.40) or the vocabulary test (p=0.69).ConclusionData from this study showed that healthy older adults had impaired performance on higher cognitive tasks when these assignments were applied together with motor tasks.

Reorganization of gait after limb-saving surgery of the lower limb.

In this study, the concept of a cognitive dual-task performance and visual restriction during walking has been used to study the recovery of gait after limb-saving surgery in ten patients. All patients were recovering from some form of treatment to tumors of the lower limbs. Patients had to walk on a treadmill at their preferred speed. During the course of recovery, we measured normal walking, walking while performing an attention-demanding dual task, and walking during restricted vision, starting 5 mo postoperatively. Patients are able to reach an acceptable level of gait within 15 mo, especially when the basic locomotor activity (i.e., step-cycle duration, walking speed, gait symmetry) is taken into account. Nevertheless, the results showed that during the recovery, the patients were still hindered by the dual task and visual restriction while walking because they exhibited a decrease in step-cycle duration under these conditions. In general, an improvement in walking speed and a decrease in asymmetry was seen. On the other hand, patients still had a basically reduced control of gait after the 15-mo recovery period. This can be attributed to a lack of gait automatism caused by an irreversible loss of somatosensory input.

THE INTERRELATIONS OF VAGAL AND ACCELERATOR EFFECTS ON THE CARDIAC RATE

ArticleTHE INTERRELATIONS OF VAGAL AND ACCELERATOR EFFECTS ON THE CARDIAC RATEA. Rosenblueth, and F. A. SimeoneA. RosenbluethFrom the Laboratories of Physiology in the Harvard Medical School, and F. A. SimeoneFrom the Laboratories of Physiology in the Harvard Medical SchoolPublished Online:31 Oct 1934https://doi.org/10.1152/ajplegacy.1934.110.1.42MoreSectionsPDF (2 MB)Download PDF ToolsExport citationAdd to favoritesGet permissionsTrack citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInWeChat Previous Back to Top Next Download PDF FiguresReferencesRelatedInformation Cited ByHeart Rate Variability (HRV) Analysis: A Methodology for Organizational Neuroscience1 December 2016 | Organizational Research Methods, Vol. 22, No. 1Higher cardiovascular fitness level is associated to better cognitive dual-task performance in Master Athletes: Mediation by cardiac autonomic controlBrain and Cognition, Vol. 125Increase in parasympathetic tone by pyridostigmine prevents ventricular dysfunction during the onset of heart failureRenata M. Lataro, Carlos A. A. Silva, Rubens Fazan, Marcos A. Rossi†, Cibele M. Prado, Rosely O. Godinho, and Helio C. Salgado15 October 2013 | American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, Vol. 305, No. 8Identifying physiological origins of baroreflex dysfunction in salt-sensitive hypertension in the Dahl SS ratScott M. Bugenhagen, Allen W. Cowley, and Daniel A. Beard1 June 2010 | Physiological Genomics, Vol. 42, No. 1Physical activity and heart rate variability measured simultaneously during waking hoursArto J. Hautala, Jaana Karjalainen, Antti M. Kiviniemi, Hannu Kinnunen, Timo H. Mäkikallio, Heikki V. Huikuri, and Mikko P. Tulppo1 March 2010 | American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology, Vol. 298, No. 3Baroreflex sensitivity, blood pressure buffering, and resonance: what are the links? Computer simulation of healthy subjects and heart failure patientsHedde van de Vooren, Maaike G. J. Gademan, Cees A. Swenne, Ben J. TenVoorde, Martin J. Schalij, and Ernst E. Van der Wall1 April 2007 | Journal of Applied Physiology, Vol. 102, No. 4Saturation of high-frequency oscillations of R-R intervals in healthy subjects and patients after acute myocardial infarction during ambulatory conditionsAntti M. Kiviniemi, Arto J. Hautala, Tapio Seppänen, Timo H. Mäkikallio, Heikki V. Huikuri, and Mikko P. Tulppo1 November 2004 | American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology, Vol. 287, No. 5Poincaré plot interpretation using a physiological model of HRV based on a network of oscillatorsMichael Brennan, Marimuthu Palaniswami, and Peter Kamen1 November 2002 | American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology, Vol. 283, No. 5Sympathetic restraint of respiratory sinus arrhythmia: implications for vagal-cardiac tone assessment in humansJ. Andrew Taylor, Christopher W. Myers, John R. Halliwill, Henrik Seidel, and Dwain L. Eckberg1 June 2001 | American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology, Vol. 280, No. 6Sympathovagal balance: how should we measure it?Jeffrey J. Goldberger1 April 1999 | American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology, Vol. 276, No. 4Tone-entropy analysis on cardiac recovery after dynamic exerciseEiichi Oida, Toshio Moritani, and Yukio Yamori1 June 1997 | Journal of Applied Physiology, Vol. 82, No. 6 More from this issue > Volume 110Issue 1October 1934Pages 42-55 Copyright & PermissionsCopyright © 1934 by American Physiological Societyhttps://doi.org/10.1152/ajplegacy.1934.110.1.42History Received 17 June 1934 Published online 31 October 1934 Published in print 31 October 1934 Metrics