Abstract
Background: The body of research investigating the addition of a concurrent secondary cognitive task to a motor task and the subsequent physical outcome has grown over the past decade. Studies have examined a vast array of these effects through different populations, task types, and motor performance measures, which have associated dual tasking with a decline in physical performance. Within this body of literature, researchers have yet to develop a comprehensive review analyzing these effects overall.
Objective: The research completed presents a systematic review approach to analyze the effects of dual tasking on physical performance.
Methods: Following systematic protocols, a search of MEDLINE, PsycInfo, and SportDISCUS was completed. Research was screened and included if it contained healthy participants, randomized single and dual task trials, both physical and cognitive components, and a physical performance outcome.
Results: A database search identified 1464 studies which were screened for inclusion and exclusion criteria through the Covidence program. 288 studies passed the screening process to be extracted and will be included in the systematic review. Initial review of included studies shows that walking, standing, sitting, rock climbing, and reach-and-grab are common physical tasks performed. N-back tests, mathematical calculations, texting, narrative memory tasks, and reciting sequences are common cognitive tasks applied in the dual-task manipulation. Dual-task physical performance measures including gait velocity, step variability, centre-of-pressure, accuracy, and timing are commonly found to decrease in performance compared to single task control conditions.
Conclusion: Findings from the current stage of review suggest that there is a larger body of research than initially estimated. Additionally, the introduction of a cognitive or emotional task to a physical task reduces overall physical performance, with stronger effects seen in older participants.
