Project Details
Projekt
Task-specific and task-unspecific long term effects of cognitive-motormultitask training
Applicant
Professor Dr. Hermann Müller
Subject Area
General, Cognitive and Mathematical Psychology
Term
from 2015 to 2023
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 275317215
Multi-tasking capacity of humans is limited. Nonetheless, there is ample evidence that perfor-mance in a variety of cognitive and motor tasks can significantly be improved (plasticity perspective of the SPP) by specific single-task training that might also transfer to multi-task situations. Moreo-ver, studies have demonstrated that multi-task training, compared to single-task training, may even lead to larger performance increments in the practiced tasks as well as in transfer to unpracticed tasks. Three possible training-induced transformations of the processing structure in dual tasks are conceivable: a) Reduction of processing demands of at least one of the tasks involved, b) smart integration of separate information processing streams, and c) increased quantity of processing resources.We will study these questions with a focus on motor-cognitive dual-task training, that is, situations in which a sufficiently complex continuous motor task is involved, like walking or other postural tasks. This type of training is widely applied in in the context of fall prevention in elderly and has been subject to specific investigations. It has also received some attention with respect to possible beneficial effects on cognitive performance. However, the mechanisms underlying these training effects have not been identified conclusively.A crucial factor for any resulting training effect is how processing streams of the different tasks in-terfere and recruit resources during practice. In the first funding period, we observed different effects for an "automatized" walking task compared to a more challenging force-tracking task at the level of the resulting performances in practiced and transfer tasks, and the training-induced altera-tions of the processing structure. In the second funding period, we will investigate the processing structure induced by these tasks in more depth. We will use a probe-reaction time technique to reveal, to which extent subjects are engaged in processing of each of the tasks at different moments in time. We combine this work with further training studies where subjects practice selected motor-cognitive dual-task combinations for several weeks. Based on the data collected in these studies, we will review existing explanatory concepts, which can be categorized as either assuming fixed-limit or flexible-limit processing during multitasking. According to the first, improvements can only be explained by more effective processing of at least one of the tasks, or by a smart integration of the processing streams. Accordingly, long-term training effects should be restricted to situations where at least one of the practiced tasks is involved. Flexible-limit concepts allow stronger recruitment of processing resources in certain contexts and, thus, see the possibility of long-term increases. This plasticity should then be observable in performance benefits in a broader range of transfer situations.
DFG Programme
Priority Programmes
