Free recall and outdoor running: cognitive and physical demand interference

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Human Performance
• Applied Physiology

Background:

• Cognitive resource theory explains limitations in multitasking.
• High-risk professionals face simultaneous physical and mental demands.
• Understanding cognitive resources for physical tasks in natural terrain is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate cognitive interference between outdoor running and word recall.
• Examine the impact of dual-tasking on performance and subjective workload.

Main Methods:

• Participants performed outdoor running and a word recall task concurrently (dual-task) and separately (single-task).
• Word recall accuracy and running distance were measured.
• Subjective workload, task focus, and fatigue were assessed via questionnaire.

Main Results:

• Word recall performance significantly decreased in the dual-task condition compared to single-task recall.
• Running distance did not significantly differ between dual-task and single-task running.
• Subjective workload, task focus, and feelings of fatigue were highest in the dual-task condition.

Conclusions:

• Results support cognitive resource theory by demonstrating interference between physical and cognitive tasks.
• Dual-tasking impairs cognitive performance (word recall) but not necessarily physical performance (running distance).
• Findings have implications for professionals in high-risk fields, suggesting potential cognitive deficits during demanding operations.