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Reduced motor preparation during dual-task performance: evidence from startle.
Dana Maslovat1, Neil M Drummond, Michael J Carter
1School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, War Memorial Gymnasium 210-6081 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1, Canada, dmaslovat@langara.bc.ca.
Experimental Brain Research
|June 1, 2015
Summary
This study investigated attentional demands using a startling acoustic stimulus (SAS) probe reaction time (RT) task. Cognitive tasks significantly reduced secondary task preparation more than motor tasks, impacting response readiness.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive psychology
- Neuroscience
- Human factors
Background:
- Secondary probe reaction time (RT) tasks assess attentional demands of primary tasks.
- Startling acoustic stimuli (SAS) can involuntarily trigger prepared responses, bypassing initiation bottlenecks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test if attentional resources relate to limitations in response preparation.
- To investigate how motor versus cognitive primary tasks affect secondary task preparation.
Main Methods:
- Participants performed primary tasks (motor or cognitive) alongside a secondary wrist extension RT task.
- A SAS was introduced on select trials to assess response initiation.
- RT was compared between single-task, dual-task, and SAS trials.
Main Results:
- Both non-startle and startle probe trials showed delayed RTs compared to single-task trials, indicating reduced secondary task preparation.
- SAS trials had shorter latencies but still showed delays.
- Cognitive primary tasks led to a greater reduction in secondary task preparation than motor primary tasks.
Conclusions:
- Attentional demands, particularly from cognitive tasks, impair response preparation.
- Performing motor tasks concurrently with a motor secondary task may offer a facilitative effect on preparation.
