Abstract
Most studies have suggested the process of recovering body stability requires information-processing resources, but whether adults have the ability to selectively allocate resources to maintain balance is not known. Using a variable priority dual-task paradigm the present experiment investigated the extent to which young adults are able to shift attention between a postural task and a visual spatial memory task. Our results demonstrated a significant difference in verbal response time dependent on instructional set (focus on visual spatial memory versus postural task) but no difference in body sway measurement, indicating the ability of young adults to modulate visual spatial memory task, but not postural task focus. This suggests the existence of a hierarchy within attentional tasks with postural stability being a priority to stabilize gaze and head position.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 121-126 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Gait and Posture |
Volume | 25 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 2007 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Attention
- Dual-task paradigm
- Information-processing
- Posture
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biophysics
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
- Rehabilitation