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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
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Working memory is a core executive function supporting dual-task locomotor performance across childhood and
Darren R Hocking1, Sarah Fritsche1, Hassan Farhat1
1Developmental Neuromotor and Cognition Lab, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia.
Journal of Experimental Child Psychology
|June 24, 2020
Summary
Younger children show greater dual-task gait interference but prioritize stability. Age and working memory capacity predict dual-task gait interference, highlighting individual differences in performance.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Daily activities often require dual-tasking, such as walking while talking.
- Previous research on dual-tasking in children is limited by task difficulty and individual cognitive differences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how age, cognitive load, and executive functioning affect dual-task gait interference in children and adolescents.
- To understand the interplay between cognitive abilities and gait performance during dual-tasking.
Main Methods:
- 120 typically developing participants (6-25 years) performed a visuospatial working memory task at two cognitive load levels while walking.
- Gait spatiotemporal characteristics and variability were measured using a GAITRite electronic walkway.
- Cognitive load was adjusted to individual abilities.
Main Results:
- Children (6-11 years) exhibited greater dual-task gait interference in specific spatiotemporal parameters.
- Younger children prioritized gait stability over cognitive performance, showing a trade-off in gait variability.
- Age and working memory capacity significantly predicted dual-task gait interference across all participants.
Conclusions:
- Dual-task gait interference varies with age and cognitive capacity.
- Working memory capacity moderates the relationship between age and dual-task gait interference.
- Prioritization strategies and individual working memory differences are crucial for dual-task gait performance in children.
Keywords:
Child developmentDual-task processingExecutive functionsGaitMotor developmentTask prioritizationWorking memorymultitaskingMore Related Videos
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