The cost of cognitive function during a dual-task paradigm compared to a single-task paradigm (2011)

Undergraduate: Elizabeth Teel

Faculty Advisor: Kevin Guskiewicz
Department: Exercise & Sport Science

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Identifying changes in complex attention resulting from divided attention may be useful in providing safer return-to-play information for athletes postconcussion. The purpose was to examine the cost to complex attention resulting from divided attention during a dual-task compared to a single-task across two test sessions. 12 female and 11 male subjects (age=20.43±1.67yrs) completed a computerized Incongruent Stroop Test (CNS Vital Signs) assessing complex attention. During each session, all subjects completed three iterations of the task alone (single-task) and twelve iterations of the task while simultaneously completing a variation of the Sensory Organization balance test (dual-task). Average reaction times, commission errors, and omission errors were taken from the single and dual-task paradigms for each session and compared using a two-way (test session and task) repeated measures ANOVAs. Alpha level was set to 0.05 a priori. Reaction time was significantly slower (F1, 20=12.653, p=.002) under the dual-task (628.863±11.591ms) compared to the single-task (605.659±13.068ms). There was no difference in reaction time across test sessions (F=3.94, p=0.061), although a trend towards subjects being faster in the second session was observed. There were no significant differences across task or session for average commission or omission errors (p>0.05). Longer reaction time is needed when forced to divide attention between two tasks, while accuracy under this type of task may not be affected. Most sporting situations require athletes to divide attention among multiple tasks. This type of dual task assessment may be useful in identifying more subtle postconcussive deficits. Future research is needed in a concussed population.