Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 3, 2026
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Experimental Methods to Study Human Postural Control
Published on: September 11, 2019
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The Role of Background Acoustic Stimuli in Dual Tasks: A Study on Postural Control Performance.
Selin Sarıçamlık1, Nizamettin Burak Avcı2, Öznur Yiğit3
1Audiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Atilim University, Ankara, Türkiye.
Brain and Behavior
|August 12, 2025
Summary
Background noise can improve postural control during cognitive tasks in young adults, while music has no significant effect. This finding suggests noise may aid balance rehabilitation strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Human Motor Control
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Everyday tasks involve complex integration of cognitive, sensory, and emotional systems.
- Interference within these multitasking systems can impact motor-balance control.
- Understanding these interactions is crucial for addressing balance deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of acoustic stimuli (noise and music) during a cognitive-motor dual task on postural control in healthy young adults.
- To determine if different auditory environments influence the interplay between cognitive processing and motor balance.
- To assess the potential of acoustic environments in modulating postural sway.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-four healthy young adults participated, randomly assigned to silent, noise (multi-talker babble), or music (Mozart) conditions.
- Participants performed the Stroop test (a cognitive task) while postural sway velocity was measured on firm and foam surfaces with eyes open.
- Statistical analyses included Wilcoxon tests, ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, t tests, and Mann-Whitney U tests, with significance set at p<0.05 (Bonferroni-adjusted p<0.017).
Main Results:
- A silent cognitive-motor dual task significantly increased postural sway on both firm and foam surfaces.
- Background noise (multi-talker babble) reduced postural sway on both surfaces compared to silence, without affecting cognitive performance (Stroop test).
- Music (Mozart) did not significantly alter cognitive performance or postural sway compared to the control (silent) condition.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive effort is prioritized for balance in young adults during inhibitory tasks, especially in stable conditions.
- Background noise positively modulates motor-cognitive interactions, potentially enhancing postural control.
- Findings suggest acoustic environments, particularly noise, could be leveraged in vestibular rehabilitation strategies for multitasking individuals.
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