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Updated: Mar 7, 2026
A Cognitive Paradigm to Investigate Interference in Working Memory by Distractions and Interruptions
Published on: July 16, 2015
Performance of a concurrent cognitive task modifies pre- and post-perturbation-evoked cortical activity
George Mochizuki1, Shaun G Boe2, Amanda Marlin3
1Heart and Stroke Foundation Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada; Mobility Research Team, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Cognitive tasks impair brain activity preparation for predictable balance loss. This distraction affects cortical responses and muscle activation during postural instability.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomechanics
- Human Motor Control
Background:
- Cortical resources are crucial for optimizing balance responses to postural instability.
- Cognitive dual-tasking may interfere with the brain's ability to prepare and optimize these responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how cognitive dual-task activities influence cortical activity before and after induced postural instability.
- To determine the impact of cognitive load on balance preparation and response.
Main Methods:
- Postural instability was induced using a lean-and-release paradigm in 10 healthy participants.
- Perturbations were either predictable or unpredictable, with or without a cognitive dual-task.
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded from frontal sites, analyzing pre- and post-perturbation cortical activity.
Main Results:
- Cognitive tasks reduced pre-perturbation cortical activity for predictable instability.
- Cognitive load affected post-perturbation N1 potential amplitude in predictable conditions but not unpredictable ones.
- Cognitive tasks delayed and reduced the magnitude of the gastrocnemius muscle response.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive distraction impacts pre- and post-perturbation cortical activity, particularly when postural instability is predictable.
- Cognitive dual-tasking influences associated muscle responses, highlighting the interplay between cognitive load and motor control.
