Mental arithmetic modulates temporal variabilities of finger-tapping tasks in a tempo-dependent manner

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Psychiatric disorders often impair temporal processing across supra-second and sub-second intervals.
• Sub-second temporal processing is largely automated, while supra-second processing involves complex cognitive functions.
• Brain mechanisms underlying temporal processing at different timescales remain incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of cognitive tasks on supra-second temporal processing using a dual-task paradigm.
• To determine if cognitive task type influences temporal processing interference in supra-second intervals.
• To explore the relationship between cognitive abilities and temporal processing variability.

Main Methods:

• A dual-task paradigm (DTP) was employed, combining finger tapping at various tempi with cognitive tasks (mental arithmetic, reading) or a control.
• Thirty participants performed right index finger tapping with inter-tapping intervals of 0.33s to 4s.
• Inter-tapping interval variability (SD) and mental arithmetic ability were measured.

Main Results:

• Both mental arithmetic (MA) and mental reading (MR) tasks significantly increased temporal variability (SD of inter-tapping intervals) compared to the control task.
• Increased variability was observed in the 2-3s and 3-4s intervals for MA and MR tasks, respectively.
• Normalized SD peaks during MA tasks moderately correlated with participants' MA ability.

Conclusions:

• Dual-tasking with cognitive tasks increases temporal variability in a task- and tempo-dependent manner.
• Modulations in temporal variability likely stem from interactions between motor, cognitive, and temporal processing.
• Findings may inform understanding of temporal processing deficits in conditions like dementia, Parkinson's disease, and autism.