Dual-task training reduces impact of cognitive task on postural sway.
Postural sway increases when a cognitive task is performed concurrently with a postural task. The author examined the hypothesis that following dual-task training, a concurrent cognitive task would not amplify postural sway. Participants (N = 18) were assigned to no-training, single-task training, or dual-task training groups. Single-task training consisted of 3 sessions in which the postural task, quiet standing on a compliant surface, and the cognitive task, counting backward by 3s, were practiced separately. Dual-task training consisted of 3 sessions of concurrent practice of the cognitive and postural tasks. After training, performance of a concurrent cognitive task increased postural sway in the no-training and single-task training groups but not in the dual-task training group. Results suggest that dual-task practice improves dual-task performance.
Pellecchia
G L
GL
Physical Therapy Department, School of Allied Health, University of Connecticut, 358 Mansfield Road Unit 2101, Storrs, CT 06269-2101, USA. geraldine.pellecchia@uconn.edu
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001259:Ataxia / Q000628:therapy*; D001288:Attention; D003071:Cognition; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011187:Posture; D011214:Practice, Psychological; D013663:Teaching