Citation

Voelcker-Rehage C, Stronge AJ, Alberts JL. Aging Neuropsychol. Cogn. 2006; 13(3-4): 366-384.

Affiliation

Jacobs Center for Lifelong Learning and Institutional Development, International University Bremen, Germany. c.voelcker-rehage@iu-bremen.de

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/138255890969339

PMID

16887779

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between force control and cognitive performance under dual-task conditions in younger (18-22 years) and older adults (65-77 years). Cognitive (n-back test) and motor performance (force-tracking) was measured independently and simultaneously. Results indicated overall age-related differences for the n-back and the force-tracking task. Age-related differences increased during dual-task conditions. While younger adults exhibited no decrease in cognitive or motor performance during dual-task conditions, older adults showed a decrease in motor and cognitive performance. Additionally, when older adults made an error in the cognitive task they tended to show greater variability in the force-tracking task. These results suggest that cognitive motor deficits are responsible for older adults' performance decrements under dual-task conditions.

Language: en