Neuronal Responses to a Postural Dual-Task With Differential Attentional Prioritizations: Compensatory Resource Allocation With Healthy Aging

Shu-Han Yu, Ing-Shiou Hwang, Cheng-Ya Huang and Angela Gutchess

The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, 2019, vol. 74, issue 8, 1326-1334

Abstract: Objectives Restricted central processing in older adults prevents optimization of a dual task with a flexible prioritization strategy. This study investigated the neural mechanisms of task-priority in young and older adults when performing a posture-motor dual-task. Methods ixteen healthy young and 16 older adults performed a force-matching task on a mobile-platform under posture-focus (PF) and supraposture-focus (SF) conditions. The platform movement, force-matching performance, and event-related potentials in the preparatory period were recorded. Results For the elders, the postural stability and force-matching accuracy using the PF strategy were inferior to those using the SF strategy; whereas, the dual-task performances of the young adults were less affected by the prioritization. Only the elders exhibited the P1 wave, with the PF strategy associated with a smaller P1 and larger P1 than the SF strategy in the sensorimotor-parietal and right frontotemporal areas, respectively. The PF strategy also led to a larger P2 wave in the right frontotemporal area of elders, but a greater P2 wave in the sensorimotor-parietal area of young adults. Discussion For both prioritization strategies, older adults entailed a longer preparatory process than younger adults. Dual-task performance of older adults was more vulnerable to PF strategy, underlying compensatory resource allocation in the preparatory period for resolution of dual-task interference due to degenerated frontal function.

Keywords: Attention; Event-related potential; Falls and mobility problems; Neuroscience (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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The Journals of Gerontology: Series B is currently edited by Psychological Sciences - S. Duke Han, PhD and Social Sciences - Jessica A Kelley, PhD, FGSA

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