Motor Dual-task Research Articles

Dual-task-related gait patterns as possible marker of precocious and subclinical cognitive alterations in Parkinson disease

Subtle gait and cognitive dysfunction are common in Parkinson’s disease (PD), even before most evident clinical manifestations. Such alterations can be assumed as hypothetical phenotypical and prognostic/progression markers. To compare spatiotemporal gait parameters in PD patients with three cognitive status: cognitively intact (PD-noCI), with subjective cognitive impairment (PD-SCI) and with mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI) in order to detect subclinical gait differences. One hundred PD patients were consecutively enrolled and divided in three groups based on both the first item od MDS-UPDRS part I and an extensive neuropsychological evaluation: 41 PD-noCI, 15 PD-SCI and 44 PD-MCI. They were evaluated with gait analysis acquired in three different conditions (normal gait, motor and cognitive dual task). Spatiotemporal variables were extracted. A univariate statistical analysis (parametric ANOVA test or non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis test, as appropriate) with post-hoc analysis was carried out in order to evaluate the significant differences among the groups. In normal gait task, the three groups showed several differences, all due to the comparison between PD-MCI and PD-noCI, as disclosed by post-hoc analysis. In dual task conditions, mostly in the cognitive dual task, the three groups showed increased gait alterations that, at post-hoc analysis, mirrored the magnitude of cognitive dysfunction (PD-noCI < PD-SCI < PD-MCI). Peculiar prodromal gait patterns—especially those highlighted by cognitive dual task—could be considered possible markers to objectify self-reported symptoms-based construct, like SCI, and to early intercept subjects with different clinical evolutions and prognoses, even representing an innovative clustering/phenotyping tool for PD subtypes.

Effects of Real-Life Motor Complexity on Walking and Mobility in Trained and Sedentary Adolescents With Intellectual Disabilities: A Motor Dual-Task Investigation.

Adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID) often encounter challenges in walking and mobility due to cognitive and motor impairments. This study aimed to investigate the impact of real-life motor complexity on walking and mobility in this population, particularly focusing on dual-task scenarios. Twenty-four adolescents with ID, divided into trained and sedentary groups, participated in the study. Participants completed the Timed Up and Go Test and the 10-m walk test under various conditions, including holding a water glass, carrying a tray with 2 glasses of water, introducing background noise, and encountering unexpected obstacles. Both groups significantly exhibited increased completion times (P < .001) in the Timed Up and Go Test and 10-m walk test with each added level of difficulty. The trained group demonstrated significantly superior performance (P < .05), only in the single task and holding a water glass. However, the difference between groups diminished as the challenges increased. In conclusion, real-life motor dual-tasking scenarios significantly impact walking and mobility in adolescents with ID. Physical activity may improve mobility and walking, particularly under less challenging conditions. Incorporating real-life challenges into motor dual-task training programs can enhance adaptability and reduce the risk of falls and injuries, ultimately improving the quality of life for individuals with ID.

Influence of Cognitive and Motor Dual Task Training in Individuals with Hemiplegic Gait

Influence of Cognitive and Motor Dual Task Training in Individuals with Hemiplegic Gait

Distinct Neural Mechanisms Underlying Dual-Task Priority During Gait Across Cognitive and Motor Networks.

Background: Prioritization strategy during gait significantly influences gait performance and successful gait relies on interactions between cognitive and motor functions. This study aimed to examine the within- and between-network connectivities of cognitive and motor networks associated with dual-task priority during gait. Methods: Twenty-nine healthy individuals (66.86 ± 8.53 years) underwent the timed-up-and-go (TUG) test alone, TUG with a cognitive task, and the cognitive task alone. The cognitive task involved sequentially subtracting three from a random number between 50 and 100. The resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging was acquired on the same day. Using independent component analysis, the dorsal attention network (DAN), frontoparietal network (FPN), primary motor network (PM), and lateral motor network were assessed. The participants were divided into cognitive and motor priority groups based on the modified attention allocation index (mAAI). Group comparisons of within- and between-network connectivity were conducted using permutation tests. Additionally, correlation analysis was employed to investigate the association between-network connectivity and task priority. Results: The cognitive priority group showed cognitive dual-task facilitation. In comparison to the motor priority group, they also showed comparable motor dual-task costs and lower combined dual-task costs. They exhibited increased within-network connectivity in the left FPN and enhanced between-network connectivity between the right FPN and both the DAN and PM. These between-network connectivities were negatively correlated with mAAI scores. Conclusion: The results suggest distinct neural mechanisms across cognitive and motor networks based on individuals' dual-task strategies. This may have implications for understanding gait performance in complex contexts.

Adopting dual-tasks in small-sided games training in youth soccer: The influence of experience level on tactical performance

This study assessed the influence of experience level on the cost of tactical performance due to a secondary task in soccer players during Small-Sided Games (SSG). The study involved 36 less experienced soccer athletes (under-13 category) and 36 more experienced athletes (under-17 category), totaling 72 male players from two soccer teams. Participants performed, in a randomized and balanced order, four experimental conditions composed of the following protocols: (1) Single-Task (ST) the 3 vs. 3 SSG, (2) Motor Dual-Task (MDT): SSG while balancing a basketball with a small cone, (3) Cognitive Dual-Task 1 (CDT1): SSG while performing mathematical operations, (4) Cognitive Dual-Task 2 (CDT2): SSG while counting opponent's passes. The SSGs were filmed for players’ tactical assessment using the Football Tactical Assessment System. The task cost was analyzed using two-way mixed ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests. The comparison between categories indicated that the under-17 category showed a lower cost in the tactical principles of penetration (p = 0.007) and concentration (p = 0.025). In comparison, the under-13 category showed a lower cost in the tactical principles of width and length without the ball (p = 0.007), delay (p = 0.001), and defensive balance (p = 0.025). In comparing protocols, MDT showed a higher cost in the tactical principle of width and length without the ball (p = 0.002). There was no significant difference between CDT1 and CDT2 protocols (p &gt; 0.05). The results suggest that experience level reduces the cost of the secondary task involving actions in progression with the ball, and the MDT, CDT1, and CDT2 protocols appear to generate similar costs to performance.

Effects of motor and cognitive dual tasks on walking and balance in children with diparetic cerebral palsy

This study investigates the effects of motor and cognitive dual tasks on walking and balance in Children with diparetic cerebral palsy. The subjects of this study were 12 children (experimental group n = 6, control group n = 6) who were medical diagnosed with diparetic cerebral palsy. They aged 8–12 years. Experimental group was administered treatment for 30 min, 2 times a week for 8 weeks, with the experimental group performing motor and cognitive dual task, while the control group did not have such a training. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was performed to analyze changes in balance, gross motor function in the group, and the Mann–Whitney test was conducted to compare the differences between the two groups before and after intervention. In This study, the mean time for completing the Timed Up and Go Test in single and dual tasks and mean cognitive responses, there was a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Considering that many activities in daily life are dual tasks, these difficulties they experience in performing dual tasks show that children’s daily lives are also affected. Therefore, dual task evaluations are very important for individuals to be independent in daily life.

Comparative Analysis of Dual-Task and Single- Task Balance Exercises in Improving Static Balance in Individuals with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Introduction: Various balance exercises have been employed to enhance functional stability and balance in individuals who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction; however, no study has explored the use of dual-task balance exercises for these patients. This study compares the effects of dual motor task balance exercises and single-task exercises on the static balance indices of individuals with ACL reconstruction. Materials and Methods: In a single-blind randomized controlled trial, 27 subjects who had undergone ACL reconstruction were randomly divided into two groups: Dual-task and single- task balance exercises. Both groups performed their exercises three days a week for one month. Static balance indicators were assessed at the beginning and end of the treatment. Results: The results demonstrated that after the treatment, there was a statistically significant decrease in various center of pressure variables, including mean displacement in the anterior- posterior and medial-lateral directions, total path length, mean velocity of displacement, root mean square of displacement, and velocity. Furthermore, the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score significantly increased in both groups (P&lt;0.05). However, when comparing the two groups, no significant difference was observed after the treatment (P&gt;0.05). Conclusion: Dual-task and single-task motor exercises improve static stability and knee function levels in patients who have undergone ACL reconstruction. Meanwhile, the effectiveness of these exercise types does not significantly differ from each other.

The Effect of Ten Weeks of Dual-Task Training on Functional Balance and Gait Speed Under Dual-Task Conditions in Bipolar Patients

Background: In mood disorders, disturbance in balance control and walking is a main motor symptom. Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the impact of ten weeks of dual-task training on balance and gait speed under dual-task conditions in bipolar patients. Methods: Thirty male patients (age mean 43.13 ± 8.91) with bipolar disorder living in Urmia Psychiatric Center were assigned to the control group and the dual task training group. Dual-task training with moderate intensity, including 20 sessions, 2/week, per 75 min. To detect the changes in the balance and the gait speed, a timed up and go Test (TUG) under dual task conditions and a 10-m walking course under dual task conditions were administered before and after the exercise protocol. It was analyzed using analysis of covariance test. Results: The findings showed that the two groups had significant differences in TUG under motor dual task conditions, gait speed under motor dual task conditions, and gait speed under cognitive dual task conditions (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: Considering the effectiveness of cognitive dual-task training in improving gait speed and functional balance, dual-task training may be a potentially important supplement to conventional treatment in people identified as being at high risk of falling.

A Comparative Study of Cognitive and Motor Performance in Liver Recipients.

Introduction: Neurocognitive and motor impairments are often observed both before and after liver transplantation, resulting in inefficiencies in dual-task performance. Specific aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the motor-cognitive dual-task performance in liver recipients, with a particular emphasis on cognition, performance status, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Design: A prospective, cross-sectional, web-based design with a control group was used. The study included 22 liver transplant recipients and 23 controls. Participants completed a motor-cognitive dual-task test (timed up and go test, TUG), a cognitive assessment (mini mental state examination), and a physical performance test (5-repetition sit-to-stand test). The study also used a functional performance status scale (The Karnofsky performance status) and assessed fear of coronavirus disease (fear of COVID-19 scale). Dual-task interference was assessed and the rate of correct responses per second was calculated to assess cognitive performance. Results: The results indicated no statistically significant difference in TUG time and TUG correct responses per second between the groups (group × condition interactions; P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in cognitive and motor dual-task interference during the TUG test between the two groups (P > 0.05). The Karnofsky Performance Status score was significantly correlated with TUG motor dual-task interference (r = -0.424 and P = 0.049). Conclusion: This study suggests that dual-task performance does not differ in cognitive or motor performance between liver recipients and healthy controls under the same dual-task condition. However, further controlled studies are needed to improve the generalizability of these findings.

The Effect of Motor Dual -Task Balance Training on Balance and Gait of Elderly Women

BACKGROUND: Aging in its broadest sense is the continuous and irreversible decline in the efficiency of various physiological processes. India has second largest number of elderly (60+) in the world. One of the most common problems of elderly is fall. They are the cause of accidental death among people over 65 years of age and account for significant mortality and morbidity, including fractures, impaired mobility and decreased quality of life due to fear of falling and death. Balance is dynamic phenomenon that requires stability and mobility to be a good harmony and in order to properly maintain body balance, the ability to integrate the neurological and musculoskeletal system is important. Balance control is a necessary component of stable walking. Dual-task training is defined as the ability to perform two or more cognitive and motor activities simultaneously while maintaining postural control. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To study the effect of motor dual-task balance training on balance and gait of elderly women. METHODOLOGY: Thirty females were randomly selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria and was divided into two groups – Group 1: Experimental group and Group 2: Control group. Both the groups were assessed for the berg balance scale and dynamic gait index. These parameters were assessed before the start of the program as pre-test values and at the end of 6 week as post-test values. Group 1 received motor dual task balance training and Group 2 conventional balance and gait training. RESULT: The mean age of group 1 was 67.4 years and group 2 was 67.07 years. The statistical analysis correlates the study by proposing that groups taken for study either group1 treated motor dual task balance training and Group 2 conventional balance and gait training.and also showed that group 1 treated with motor dual task balance training had higher significance when compared to group 2 treated with conventional balance and gait training. The mean improvement in BBS was 13.74 in group 1 and 10.66 in group 2. The mean improvement in DGI scores was 6.47 in group 1 and 3.73 in group 2. It was resulted that group 1 received motor dual task balance training had a superior effect over group 2 received conventional balance and gait training. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that motor dual task balance training had effective tool in improving balance and gait control and decreases tendency of falls in elderly women. KEY WORDS: Fall, Elderly, Balance, gait, BBS, DGI, motor dual task balance training, conventional balance and gait training.

Adding a sustained attention task to a physically demanding cycling exercise exacerbates neuromuscular fatigue and impairs cognitive performance in both normoxia and hypoxia.

Both cognitive motor dual-tasks (CMDT) protocols and hypoxic environments have been associated with significant impairments in cognitive and physical performance. We aimed to determine the effects of hypoxia on cognitive performance and neuromuscular fatigue during a highly physically demanding CMDT. Fifteen young adults completed a first session involving a cognitive task (CTLCOG) followed by cycling exercise (CTLEX) in normoxia. After that, they randomly participated in CMDT sessions in normoxia (DTNOR) and hypoxia (DTHYP). The physical exercise consisted of 20min cycling at a "hard" perceived effort, and the cognitive task consisted of 15min sustained attention to response time task (SART). Concurrent psycho-physiological measurements included: quadriceps neuromuscular fatigue (peripheral/central components from femoral nerve electrostimulation), prefrontal cortex (PFC) oxygenation by near-infrared spectroscopy, and perception of effort. SART performance significantly decreased in DTNOR (-15.7 ± 15.6%, P < 0.01) and DTHYP (-26.2 ± 16.0%, P < 0.01) compared to CTLCOG (-1.0 ± 17.7%, P = 0.61). Peripheral fatigue similarly increased across conditions, whereas the ability of the central nervous system to activate the working muscles was impaired similarly in DTNOR (-6.1 ± 5.9%, P < 0.001) and DTHYP (-5.4 ± 7.3%, P < 0.001) compared to CTLEX (-1.1 ± 0.2%, P = 0.52). Exercise-induced perception of effort was higher in DTHYP vs. DTNOR and in DTNOR vs. CTLEX. This was correlated with cognitive impairments in both normoxia and hypoxia. PFC deoxygenation was more pronounced in DTHYP compared to DTNOR and CTLEX. In conclusion, performing a sustained attention task together with physically challenging cycling exercise promotes central neuromuscular fatigue and impairs cognitive accuracy; the latter is particularly noticeable when the CMDT is performed in hypoxia.

Analyzing Dual-Task Paradigms to Improve Postconcussion Assessment and Management.

Dual-task (simultaneous cognitive-motor activities) assessments have been adapted into reliable and valid clinical concussion measures. However, abundant motor and cognitive variations leave researchers and clinicians uncertain about which combinations elicit the intended dual-task effect. Our objective was to examine differences between commonly employed dual-task motor and cognitive combinations among healthy, college-aged individuals. Cross-sectional laboratory study. Twenty participants (age: 21.3 [2.4]y; height: 176.0 [9.1]cm; mass: 76.0 [16.4]kg; 20% with concussion history) completed 4 motor tasks (gait, tandem gait, single-leg balance, and tandem balance) under 5 cognitive conditions (single task, subtraction, month reversal, spelling backward, and visual Stroop) in a research laboratory. The motor performance outcomes were spatiotemporal variables for gait and tandem gait and center of pressure path length (in centimeters) for single-leg and tandem balance. Cognitive outcomes were response rate (responses/second) and cognitive accuracy. We used separate repeated-measures analyses of variance for each motor and cognitive outcome with post hoc Tukey t tests. Gait velocity, gait stride length, and tandem gait velocity demonstrated significant cognitive-motor interactions (P's < .001) such that all dual-task conditions resulted in varyingly slower or shorter movement than single task. Conversely, single-leg balance (P = .627) and tandem balance (P = .434) center of pressure path length did not significantly differ among the dual-task cognitive conditions or relative to single task. Statistically significant cognitive-motor interactions were observed only for spelling backward accuracy (P = .004) and response rates for spelling backward, month reversal, and visual Stroop (P's < .001) such that worse accuracy, but faster response rates, occurred during motor tasks. Gait and tandem gait motor tasks accompanied with spelling backward or subtraction cognitive tasks demonstrated consistently strong dual-task effects and, therefore, may be the best suited for clinical and research use following concussion.

Functional lower extremity strength influences stepping strategy in community-dwelling older adults during single and dual-task walking

As age increases, a decline in lower extremity strength leads to reduced mobility and increased fall risks. This decline outpaces the age-related reduction in muscle mass, resulting in mobility limitations. Older adults with varying degrees of mobility-disability use different stepping strategies. However, the link between functional lower extremity strength and stepping strategy is unknown. Therefore, understanding how age-related reductions in functional lower extremity strength influence stepping strategy is vital to unraveling mobility limitations. Twenty participants (17F, 72 ± 6 years) were recruited and tested at a local community event. Participants were outfitted with inertial measurement units (IMU) and walked across a pressurized walkway under single and dual motor task conditions (walking with and without carrying a tray with water) at their usual and fast speeds. Participants were dichotomized into normal (11) or low functional strength groups (9) based on age-specific normative cutoffs using the instrumented 5-repetition Sit-to-Stand test duration. Our study reveals that older adults with normal strength prefer adjusting their step time during walking tasks, while those with reduced strength do not exhibit a preferred stepping strategy. This study provides valuable insights into the influence of functional lower extremity strength on stepping strategy in community-dwelling older adults during simple and complex walking tasks. These findings could aid in diagnosing gait deviations and developing appropriate treatment or management plans for mobility disability in older adults.

Impacts of audiovisual simultaneity perception on single-task and dual-task gaits in middle-aged and older adults

BackgroundWhile dual-task walking requires the ability to integrate sensory information from multiple ongoing sources, it remains unknown whether dual-task walking is more affected than single-task walking by the multisensory integration ability. Research questionHow does the audiovisual temporal integration ability affect single-task and dual-task gaits in the aging population? MethodsOne hundred and thirty healthy middle-aged and older adults (age = 64.7 ± 6.4 years) completed an audiovisual simultaneity judgment (AVSJ) task and underwent single-task, motor dual-task, and cognitive dual-task gait assessments. In the AVSJ task, participants judged whether a flash and an auditory stimulus presented at different stimulus onset asynchronies were simultaneous. The accuracy and precision of the AVSJ performance were assessed using the point of subjective simultaneity (PSS) and the temporal binding window (δ), respectively. A lower absolute PSS and δ indicated better performance. Participants held a cup of water and performed serial-7 subtraction for motor and cognitive dual-task gait assessments, respectively. The spatiotemporal gait parameters and their variability were calculated. The influences of PSS and δ on the gait parameters of the three gaits were examined with multiple hierarchical regressions. ResultsOnly the cognitive dual-task gait was significantly affected by PSS and δ. Greater PSS predicted a longer single support time (β = 0.195, p = 0.024) and its variability (β = 0.224, p = 0.011). Greater δ predicted greater step time variability (β = 0.198, p = 0.022). SignificanceDeclined perception of audiovisual simultaneity particularly degrades temporal control of cognitive dual-task walking, highlighting the importance of assessing and training this ability after midlife.

How do visual, auditory and motor dual-tasking each affect swallowing and chewing function?

It can be challenging to perform a second task at the same time as swallowing. The study aimed to investigate the effect of visual, auditory and motor dual-tasking on swallowing and chewing function in healthy young adults. Right-handed healthy adults without any psychological and cognitive problems were included in the study. Swallowing was evaluated based on the dysphagia limit in different liquid textures such as water and nectar consistencies, and chewing was evaluated by the Test of Masticating and Swallowing Solids. For the second task, visual and auditory performance was assessed using reaction time, and the motor performance was assessed using a bilateral tapping task. Assessments were performed in two steps: baseline and dual-task. For baseline, all evaluation methods were applied individually. After completing the baseline assessment, dual-task assessment were carried out the following day. For dual-task assessment, the swallowing and chewing tasks were performed simultaneously with visual, auditory and motor tasks. Results showed a significant decrease in dysphagia limit in the nectar consistency, and significant increase in chewing time, visual reaction time and tapping rate (right-left) when compared to baseline and dual-task conditions (χ2(3) = 9.61, p = .02; χ2(3) = 9.02, p = .02; χ2(3) = 28.09, p < .001; χ2(3) = 28.97, p < .001; χ2(3) = 21.56, p < .001, respectively). However, there were no differences in dysphagia limit in the water and auditory reaction time compared to baseline and dual-task conditions (χ2(3) = 3.18, p = .36; χ2(3) = 2.56, p = .50, respectively). Results shedding light on how simultaneous dual tasks can influence swallowing and chewing. Dual-tasking cause a decrease in both swallowing/chewing and the visual/motor performances. These results may provide valuable information for designing interventions or strategies aimed at improving or maintaining optimal swallowing and chewing during in various populations during daily life.

Reduced trunk movement control during motor dual-tasking in older adults

Older adults have a decreased trunk movement control which is linked to their higher fall risk. While motor/cognitive dual-tasking deteriorates balance and walking in older adults, there is limited understanding on how trunk kinematics and kinetics are affected by dual-tasking in scenarios where falls can occur. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to determine the impacts of a challenging motor dual-task, specifically obstacle avoidance during walking, on trunk and lower-body kinematics and kinetics of older adults compared to young adults. The study captured three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic data from 12 young adults and 10 older adults as they walked on a treadmill and stepped over an obstacle with both legs. The study analyzed trunk, hip, knee, and ankle angles and torques. Trunk torque was further broken down to trunk muscle torque, gravitational torque, and inertia torque. A linear mixed effects model was used to investigate the difference in each variable between the two groups. Older adults exhibited significantly increased trunk flexion angle and trunk extension muscle torque compared to young adults, with the trunk being the only segment/joint showing differences in both kinematics and kinetics. Trunk torque breakdown analysis revealed that larger trunk flexion led to a larger gravitational torque, which contributed to an increased compensatory trunk muscle torque. Moreover, older adults' less controlled trunk flexion during weight shifting from trail leg to the lead leg, necessitated a compensatory trunk deceleration during trail leg obstacle avoidance which was achieved by generating additional increase in trunk muscle torque. The study demonstrated that motor dual-tasking has the most negative effects on trunk control in older adults compared to young adults. This exposes older adults to a higher fall risk. Therefore, future work should focus on supporting trunk control during daily multi-tasking conditions where falls can occur.

EFFICACY OF YWTL EXERCISES ON POSTURE IN MOTOR AND COGNITIVE DUAL TASK DURING SMARTPHONE USE

Introduction: Long-term physical contact while using a smartphone causes poor posture which leads to musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of YWTL exercises on posture in motor and cognitive dual tasks during smartphone use. Methodology: Based on eligibility criteria for recruitment, 118 subjects were chosen. After being informed about the study, participants were allocated into two groups: Group A (the control group) and Group B (the experimental group). 59 individuals were allocated to each group. Before the initiation of interventions, each participant’s personal information, including age, height, weight, BMI, occupation, and screen time, was collected. Primary outcome measures CVA, CHA, and SSP were evaluated at the start of the intervention and three weeks later after the intervention. Results: The result of the study revealed that both groups’ interventions effectively improved forward head posture affected by prolonged use of smartphones. All outcome measures showed a statistically significant improvement after 3 weeks. However, on comparison between both groups, the YWTL exercises group had a more clinically significant reduction in outcomes. Conclusion: The study’s findings indicated that the application of 3 weeks of YWTL exercises combined with neck isometrics is an effective method to reduce the cranio-horizontal angle, craniovertebral angle, and sagittal shoulder angle consequently resulting in a reduction of forward head posture.

Biomechanics of sit-to-stand with dual tasks in older adults with and without mild cognitive impairment

BackgroundThe decline in cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may contribute to a change in movement pattern during sit-to-stand transitions (STS). However, when comparing older adults with MCI to older adults without MCI, there is a lack of evidence of kinematic and kinetic data during STS. Furthermore, while significant cognitive dual-task interference has been demonstrated in older adults with MCI, studies on the effects of dual motor tasks in MCI, particularly during STS, have not been reported. Research questionAre there any differences in the movement time, joint angles, and maximum joint moments while performing STS under single- and dual-task conditions in older adults with and without MCI? MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, 70 participants were divided into two groups: older adults with MCI and without MCI. Motion analysis and a force plate system were used to collect and analyze the STS movement. All participants were asked to do the STS movement alone and the STS with a dual motor task with the self-selected pattern on an adjustable bench. ResultsOlder adults with MCI had greater maximum trunk flexion during STS with a dual task than older adults without MCI and greater than STS alone. Furthermore, older adults with MCI had a greater ankle plantar flexion moment during STS with a dual task than during STS alone. SignificanceEven though the STS task is one of the simplest functional activities, different strategies to achieve the STS action with dual tasks were found among older adults with and without MCI in terms of joint angle and joint moments.

Influence of Sex on Cognitive and Motor Dual-Task Performance Among Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

To investigate the sex-related differences in single-task performance through motor torque, cognitive tasks and walking speed, and the combined dual-task costs (DTCs) considering both motor and cognitive performance in young adults. Sixty-seven non-athletic subjects 37 females and 30 males were enrolled. The study measured their knee extension muscle torque using an isokinetic strength dynamometer and their walking speed using the one step app. these assessments were performed both with and without a cognitive task, and the DTCs were calculated. The females exhibited significantly larger motor performance dual task effect through (torque-DTC, speed-DTC) compared with males while exhibiting smaller cognitive dual task effect with muscle torque and speed. Deterioration in motor performance during muscle force production and speed during dual tasks was large in females compared to males, whereas males experience a decline in cognitive ability when performing dual tasks compared with females.

The Effects of Various Cognitive Tasks Including Working Memory, Visuospatial, and Executive Function on Postural Control in Patients With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture can impair balance performance, particularly during cognitive motor dual-tasks. This study aimed to determine the effects of various modalities of cognitive load (working memory, and visuospatial and executive function) on postural control parameters in individuals with ACL injury. Twenty-seven ACL-injured and 27 healthy participants were evaluated doing different cognitive tasks (silent backward counting, Benton's judgment of line orientation, and Stroop color-word test) while standing on a rigid surface or a foam. Each task was repeated three times and then averaged. Center of pressure variables used to measure postural performance included sway area and sway velocity in anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions. Cognitive performance was also assessed by calculating errors and the score of cognitive tasks. A mixed model analysis of variance for center of pressure parameters indicated that patients had more sways than the healthy group. The interaction of group by postural difficulty by cognitive tasks was statistically significant for cognitive errors (p < .01), and patients with ACL injury indicated more cognitive errors compared to healthy controls while standing on the foam. The main effect of cognitive task was statistically significant for all postural parameters, representing reduced postural sways in both groups with all cognitive tasks. However, ACL-injured patients showed more cognitive errors in difficult postural conditions, suggesting that individuals with ACL injury may prioritize postural control over cognitive task accuracy and adopt the posture-first strategy to maintain balance under dual-task conditions.