cognitive motor dual task interference

attention

information processing capacity of an individual

concepts: has a limit (capacity); performing a task requires given portion of capacity

if 2 tasks are perforemd together that require more than available capacity of attention

task performance on either or both tasks deteriorates

cognitive-motor interference

possible outcome when a cognitive task and motor task are performed simultaneously

cognitive-motor interference in healthy adults

limited by ability to process info (attentional capacity)

system requires switching attention to most task-relevant info

cognitive-motor interference in neuro disease

capacity available for attention to task may be decreased

executive function deficits may=incorrect alocation of attention

single task may require incr attention

combining task=compromise 1 or both tasks

where would you see deficits with cognitive-motor interference?

reaction time (preparation-initiation) and/or movement sequence (initiation-execution-termination)

attention must be able to be appropriately switched and allocated

balance, coordination, UE manip for tasks of walking, talking, step down curb, avoiding people, carrying things, texting, etc.

prioritization of dangers of oncoming traffic, bumping into things/ppl, falling, wrong turn, etc.

stimuli can be numerous and conflicting

attention types: divided, alternating, selective

how does pathology affect cognitive-motor interference?

capacity of executive function: attention not allocated properly

capacity of speed of processing available for attention to task

dual tasking

2 tasks that can be performed independently, measured separately, have distinct goals

complexity

related to # of task components and attentional demands

novelty

related to performer experience

low novelty low complexity task

task is easier

ex. walking on a level surface

high novelty low complexity task

task is of moderate difficulty

ex. walking on an icy surface

low novelty high complexity task

task is of moderate difficulty

ex. walking on a level surface while carrying a glass of water

high novelty high complexity task

task is harder

ex. walking on an icy surface while carrying a glass of water

motor-motor tasks

two motor tasks combined in a dual task

cognitive-motor tasks

a motor and a cognitive task combined in a dual task

dual cognitive-motor task (1)/novelty of cognition

dual cognitive-motor (2)/novelty of motor

measures of dual task performance

y axis: cognitive performance

x axis: motor performance

perform each single task, then dual task

horiz distance btwn single task perform and dual perform=motor interference

vert distance btwn single task perform and dual perform=cog interference

area between single task lines and dual task lines=automaticity

smaller area between cog single/cog dueal or motor single/motor dual=attention allocation

task specific interference: motor dual ttask effect (DTE)

[(motor DT-motor ST)/motor ST]*100%

+=facilitation

-=interference

task specific interference: cognitive dual task effect

[(cog DT-cog ST)/cog ST]*100%

+=facilitation

-=interference

task prioritization: motor priority trade off

+motor DTE

-cog DTE

task prioritization: cognitive priority trade off

-motor DTE

+cognitive DTE

task prioritization: mutual interference

-motor DTE

-cognitive DTE

task prioritization: mutual facilitation

+motor DTE

+cognitive DTE

modified attention allocation index

motor DTE-cognitive DTE

+motor priority

0 no priority

-cognitive priority

calculating DTE

use negative multiplier (± 100%) if inverse/opposite relationship (ex. incr time=worse perform)

negative values always indicate decline in performance

DTE considerations

cognitive task must be continuous

cognitive task msut be completed using same method but diff specific responses (like different numbers to count down from)

do not provide number until ready to begin motor task

task prioritzation

mutual interference: both -

motor priority trade off: motor +, cog -

cog priority trade off: motor -, cog +

mutual facilitation: botth +