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Working Memory and Postural Control: Adult Age Differences in Potential for Improvement, Task Priority, and Dual Tasking

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  • Michail Doumas
  • Michael A. Rapp
  • Ralf Th. Krampe

Abstract

We investigate dynamic posture control and working memory (NBack) retest practice in young and older adults, focusing on older adults' potential for improvement in the component tasks but more importantly in dual-task performance. Participants performed the 2 tasks in 11 sessions under single- and dual-task conditions. Posture improvement was observed with retest practice for both groups. Increase in cognitive load after initial practice led to greater dual-task costs in both tasks in older adults and higher costs in memory in young adults. With continued practice, costs were reduced by both groups; however, the 2 groups focused improvement on different tasks: Older adults focused on posture but young adults on cognition. These results emphasize older adults' potential for improvement in dual-task performance and their flexibility to utilize the practice gains in posture to optimize cognitive performance. Copyright 2009, Oxford University Press.

Suggested Citation

  • Michail Doumas & Michael A. Rapp & Ralf Th. Krampe, 2009. "Working Memory and Postural Control: Adult Age Differences in Potential for Improvement, Task Priority, and Dual Tasking," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 64(2), pages 193-201.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:geronb:v:64b:y:2009:i:2:p:193-201
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/geronb/gbp009
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    Cited by:

    1. Renae L. Smith-Ray & Susan L. Hughes & Thomas R. Prohaska & Deborah M. Little & Donald A. Jurivich & Donald Hedeker, 2015. "Impact of Cognitive Training on Balance and Gait in Older Adults," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 70(3), pages 357-366.
    2. Michail Doumas & Ralf Th. Krampe, 2015. "Ecological Relevance Determines Task Priority in Older Adults’ Multitasking," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 70(3), pages 377-385.

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