Biomechanical and cognitive interactions during Visuo Motor Targeting Task.

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Neuroscience
• Human Movement Science

Background:

• Cognitive-Motor Interference (CMI) describes how cognitive tasks impact primary motor functions like walking.
• The effect of simultaneous cognitive tasks on walking stability, particularly at varying speeds, remains under-investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if a Visuo Motor Targeting Task (VMTT) affects visual search performance and margin of stability (MoS) during gait.
• To determine how gait speed influences cognitive-motor interference during a visual search task.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Computer Assisted Rehabilitation ENvironment (CAREN) for a controlled study.
• Twenty male participants performed a visual search task while walking at speeds of 0.55, 1.11, and 1.67 m/s, or while stationary.
• Assessed visual search performance and margin of stability (MoS) to quantify the cost of the cognitive task.

Main Results:

• Margin of stability (MoS) in the mediolateral direction significantly improved with increased gait speed and during the visual search task.
• A significant interaction showed greater MoS improvement during the visual search task at higher gait speeds.
• Visual performance and the cost of visual search were enhanced during walking compared to standing, up to 25%.

Conclusions:

• Simultaneous visual search and walking can enhance postural stability, particularly at higher speeds.
• Understanding Cognitive-Motor Interference (CMI) is crucial for addressing postural control deficits and fall risks in neurological disorders.