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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
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Working Memory Training for Older Participants: A Control Group Training Regimen and Initial Intellectual Functioning Assessment
Published on: September 20, 2020
Working memory and postural control: adult age differences in potential for improvement, task priority, and dual
Michail Doumas1, Michael A Rapp, Ralf Th Krampe
1Department of Psychology, KU Leuven, Tiensestraat 102, bus 3715, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium. mihalis.doumas@psy.kuleuven.be
Summary
Older adults can improve dual-task performance through practice, focusing gains on posture to enhance cognitive function. This highlights their adaptability and potential for better balance and memory.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Motor Control
Background:
- Dynamic posture control and working memory are crucial for daily functioning.
- Aging is associated with declines in both posture control and cognitive abilities.
- Understanding how older adults adapt to dual-task demands is vital for maintaining independence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of retest practice on dynamic posture control and working memory (N-Back task) in young and older adults.
- To examine potential improvements in older adults' performance on individual tasks and dual-task scenarios.
- To explore how practice influences task prioritization and resource allocation in dual-task situations.
Main Methods:
- Participants (young and older adults) engaged in 11 practice sessions involving single- and dual-task conditions.
- Dynamic posture control was assessed using a balance task.
- Working memory was assessed using the N-Back task.
- Dual-task costs were calculated to measure performance interference.
Main Results:
- Both young and older adults showed improvements in posture control with retest practice.
- Increased cognitive load initially exacerbated dual-task costs, particularly in older adults for both tasks and young adults for memory.
- With continued practice, dual-task costs decreased in both age groups.
- Older adults prioritized posture improvement, while young adults focused on cognitive improvement.
Conclusions:
- Older adults demonstrate significant potential for improving dual-task performance through practice.
- Practice-related gains in posture control can be flexibly utilized by older adults to optimize cognitive performance.
- These findings underscore the plasticity of motor and cognitive systems in aging and the benefits of targeted training.
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