Cognitive-Postural Multitasking Training in Older Adults - Effects of Input-Output Modality Mappings on Cognitive...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Motor Control

Background:

• Older adults experience declines in cognitive and balance functions, especially during multitasking.
• Task modality mapping compatibility influences cognitive and physical dual-task performance.
• The impact of specific training programs on modality mapping coordination in older adults remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of cognitive-postural multi-tasking training on modality mapping coordination in healthy older adults.
• To compare training outcomes between compatible and incompatible modality mappings under challenging postural conditions.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-one older adults (65-85 years) underwent a 6-week cognitive-postural triple-task training intervention.
• Participants were assigned to groups with either compatible (visual-manual, auditory-vocal) or incompatible (visual-vocal, auditory-manual) modality mappings.
• Training involved gradually increasing working-memory load and reducing base-of-support, with assessments before, after a control period, and after training.

Main Results:

• Both groups showed improved working-memory and reduced dual-task costs after the passive control period, suggesting practice effects.
• No significant training-specific improvements in cognitive-postural performance or balance were observed.
• Substantial interindividual variability in training responses was noted.

Conclusions:

• Cognitive-postural multi-tasking training, regardless of modality mapping compatibility, did not yield specific performance gains in healthy older adults.
• Observed improvements were likely due to practice effects rather than training.
• Significant heterogeneity in training responses highlights the need for personalized approaches in older adults.