Examining Transfer Effects of Dual-Task Training Protocols for a Complex Locomotor Task.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Human Movement Science
• Cognitive Psychology

Background:

• Dual-tasking, involving simultaneous performance of cognitive and motor tasks, is crucial for daily activities.
• Obstacle crossing and auditory Stroop tasks (OBS+Stroop) are common dual-task scenarios.
• Optimizing training for dual-task performance is essential for enhancing functional mobility and cognitive function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effectiveness of different training protocols on dual-task performance in OBS+Stroop.
• To determine if training specificity influences transfer effects and strategy adoption.
• To identify optimal training strategies for improving dual-task abilities.

Main Methods:

• Experiment 1 involved baseline OBS+Stroop testing, followed by proximally related walking training, and post-training retesting.
• Experiment 2 examined transfer effects using a distally related computer game training paradigm with the same testing protocol.
• Performance metrics included dual-task interference, obstacle crossing strategy, and reaction times.

Main Results:

• Proximally related training led to a more cautious obstacle crossing strategy, suggesting improved safety.
• Computer game training improved some dual-task performance measures but did not induce safer stepping strategies.
• Training specificity was critical; outcomes were more positive when training closely resembled the target OBS+Stroop tasks.

Conclusions:

• Dual-task training effectiveness is highly dependent on its similarity to the targeted tasks.
• Proximally related training appears more effective for promoting safer navigation strategies during obstacle crossing.
• Future research should focus on task-specific training designs to maximize dual-task performance improvements.