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Changes in dual-task cognitive performance elicited by physical exertion vary with motor task
Jennifer A Hogg1, Christopher D Riehm2,3,4, Gary B Wilkerson1
1Department of Health and Human Performance, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN, United States.
Frontiers in Sports and Active Living
|November 17, 2022
Summary
Dual-task cognitive performance improved with more complex motor tasks before exercise, suggesting arousal influences outcomes. Clinicians should consider motor task complexity and exertion levels when using dual-task assessments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sports Medicine
- Human Factors Engineering
Background:
- Integrated movement and cognitive load paradigms are crucial for identifying impairments from concussion and musculoskeletal injuries.
- Limited data exists on how dual-task complexity and physical exertion impact cognitive outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate cognitive performance under varying motor task complexities before and after a standardized exercise protocol.
Main Methods:
- 34 participants completed a modified Eriksen flanker test assessing cognitive function in seated, single-leg stance, walking, and lateral stepping conditions.
- Cognitive performance was measured before and after a 20-minute moderate-to-vigorous intensity treadmill exercise.
- Key metrics included reaction time, inverse efficiency index, and conflict effect, analyzed using mixed-effects RMANOVAs.
Main Results:
- A significant condition by time interaction was found for the inverse efficiency index (p < 0.001), with superior cognitive efficiency in the pre-activity lateral stepping condition.
- Main effects for condition showed improved reaction time and conflict effect during lateral stepping compared to seated conditions (p = 0.004, p = 0.006).
Conclusions:
- Enhanced dual-task cognitive performance was observed with more complex motor tasks prior to physical exertion, potentially linked to the inverted-U arousal-performance relationship.
- Clinicians must consider motor task demands and baseline exertion when interpreting dual-task assessment results to avoid misinterpretation of cognitive function.
