Brain activity associated with Dual‐task performance of Ankle motor control during cognitive challenge

Brain and Behavior

Ameen Amanian¹  Teresa Liu‐Ambrose²  Janice J. Eng²  Lara A. Boyd²  Sue Peters²  Elizabeth Dao³  Michael R. Borich⁴ 

[1] Faculty of Applied Science, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada;Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physical Therapy University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada;Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada;School of Medicine, Division of Physical Therapy Emory University Atlanta Georgia;

关键词: attention;    brain;    cognition;    cognitive‐motor Dual tasking;    Flanker;    fMRI;   

DOI  :  10.1002/brb3.1349

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Introduction Skilled Ankle motor control is frequently required while performing secondary cognitively demanding tasks such as socializing and avoiding obstacles while walking, termed “Dual tasking.” It is likely that Dual‐task performance increases demand on the brain, as both motor and cognitive systems require neural resources. The purpose of this study was to use functional MRI to understand which brain regions are involved in resolving Dual‐task interference created by requiring high levels of Ankle motor control during a cognitive task. Methods Using functional MRI, brain activity was measured in sixteen young adults during performance of visually cued Ankle plantar flexion to a target (Ankle task), a cognitive task (Flanker task), and both tasks simultaneously (Dual task). Results Dual‐task performance did not impact the Ankle task (p = 0.78), but did affect behavior on the Flanker task. Response times for both the congruent and incongruent conditions during the Flanker task were significantly longer (p < 0.001, p = 0.050, respectively), and accuracy for the congruent condition decreased during Dual tasking (p < 0.001). Activity in 3 brain regions was associated with Dual‐task Flanker performance. Percent signal change from baseline in Brodmann area (BA) 5, BA6, and the left caudate correlated with performance on the Flanker task during the Dual‐task condition (R2 = 0.261, p = 0.04; R2 = −0.258, p = 0.04; R2 = 0.303, p = 0.03, respectively). Conclusions Performance of Ankle motor control may be prioritized over a cognitive task during Dual‐task performance. Our work advances Dual‐task research by elucidating patterns of whole brain activity for Dual tasks that require Ankle motor control during a cognitive task.

【 授权许可】

Unknown