Examining Transfer Effects of Dual-Task Training Protocols for a Complex Locomotor Task.

Timothy A Worden, Lori Ann Vallis
Author Information
  1. Timothy A Worden: a Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences , University of Guelph , Guelph , Ontario , Canada.
  2. Lori Ann Vallis: a Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences , University of Guelph , Guelph , Ontario , Canada.

Abstract

Training protocols designed to improve dual-task performance of an obstacle crossing and auditory Stroop task (OBS+Stroop) were tested. In Experiment  1 , following baseline collection of OBS+Stroop trials, proximally related walking training was performed, and participants were then retested on the OBS+Stroop test. After training, participants adopted a more cautious obstacle crossing strategy, indicating a potentially safer navigation strategy. Transfer effects from distally related training were then examined (Experiment  2 ); a computer game training paradigm was examined using the same testing protocol as Experiment  1 . Computer training demonstrated improved dual-task performance on some measures, but did not induce a more cautious stepping strategy. Results indicate that dual-task training needs to be similar to targeted tasks to yield reliable, positive training outcomes.

Keywords

MeSH Term

Adolescent
Female
Humans
Male
Stroop Test
Task Performance and Analysis
Transfer, Psychology
Walking
Young Adult

Word Cloud

Similar Articles

Cited By