Motor-cognitive dual-task performance: effects of a concurrent motor task on distinct components of visual processing capacity

Psychol Res. 2018 Jan;82(1):177-185. doi: 10.1007/s00426-017-0951-x. Epub 2017 Dec 1.

Abstract

Dual tasking, or the simultaneous execution of two continuous tasks, is frequently associated with a performance decline that can be explained within a capacity sharing framework. In this study, we assessed the effects of a concurrent motor task on the efficiency of visual information uptake based on the 'theory of visual attention' (TVA). TVA provides parameter estimates reflecting distinct components of visual processing capacity: perceptual threshold, visual processing speed, and visual short-term memory (VSTM) storage capacity. Moreover, goodness-of-fit values and bootstrapping estimates were derived to test whether the TVA-model is validly applicable also under dual task conditions, and whether the robustness of parameter estimates is comparable in single- and dual-task conditions. 24 subjects of middle to higher age performed a continuous tapping task, and a visual processing task (whole report of briefly presented letter arrays) under both single- and dual-task conditions. Results suggest a decline of both visual processing capacity and VSTM storage capacity under dual-task conditions, while the perceptual threshold remained unaffected by a concurrent motor task. In addition, goodness-of-fit values and bootstrapping estimates support the notion that participants processed the visual task in a qualitatively comparable, although quantitatively less efficient way under dual-task conditions. The results support a capacity sharing account of motor-cognitive dual tasking and suggest that even performing a relatively simple motor task relies on central attentional capacity that is necessary for efficient visual information uptake.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Choice Behavior / physiology*
  • Cognition / physiology*
  • Decision Making / physiology
  • Female
  • Germany
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Memory, Short-Term / physiology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Multitasking Behavior / physiology*
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology*
  • Task Performance and Analysis*
  • Visual Perception / physiology*