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Maintaining Task Performance Levels Under Cognitive Load While Walking Requires Widespread Reallocation of Neural
Eleni Patelaki1, John J Foxe2, Amber L McFerren2
1The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, The Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, 201 Robert B. Goergen Hall, Rochester, NY 14627, USA.
Neuroscience
|September 29, 2023
Summary
Young adults maintain walking performance under increased cognitive load, showing distinct brain activity changes. This suggests effortful neural recalibration supports cognitive-motor integration.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Cognitive load significantly impacts motor control and gait.
- Understanding neural mechanisms is crucial for assessing cognitive-motor integration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neural mechanisms of cognitive load during walking.
- To examine brain activity changes during a response inhibition task with varying cognitive demands.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Mobile Brain/Body Imaging (MoBI) to collect electroencephalographic (EEG) data, 3D gait kinematics, and behavioral responses.
- Employed 1-back and 2-back response inhibition tasks in 61 young adults.
- Analyzed event-related potential (ERP) changes associated with task performance during walking.
Main Results:
- No significant changes in response accuracy, speed, or gait consistency were observed with increased cognitive load.
- Distinct EEG component changes occurred during successful response inhibitions and executions.
- ERP changes were localized to frontal regions (correct rejections) and left-parietal regions (hits).
Conclusions:
- Increased cognitive load during walking elicits distinct neural adjustments, particularly in sensory gain control, conflict monitoring, and attention.
- Attenuated walking-related EEG amplitude changes suggest effortful neural recalibration maintains performance.
- Findings highlight young adults' neurocognitive capacity and inform potential impacts of aging or neurological disorders.
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