Measuring Treatment Effects on Dual-task Performance: a Framework for Research and Clinical Practice

Overview

Journal Front Hum Neurosci

Specialty Neurology

Date 2015 May 15

PMID 25972801

Citations 121

Authors

Prudence Plummer

Gail Eskes

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The relevance of dual-task walking to everyday ambulation is widely acknowledged, and numerous studies have demonstrated that dual-task interference can significantly impact recovery of functional walking in people with neurological disorders. The magnitude and direction of dual-task interference is influenced by the interaction between the two tasks, including how individuals spontaneously prioritize their attention. Therefore, to accurately interpret and characterize dual-task interference and identify changes over time, it is imperative to evaluate single and dual-task performance in both tasks, as well as the tasks relative to each other. Yet, reciprocal dual-task effects (DTE) are frequently ignored. The purpose of this perspective paper is to present a framework for measuring treatment effects on dual-task interference, specifically taking into account the interactions between the two tasks and how this can provide information on whether overall dual-task capacity has improved or a different attentional strategy has been adopted. In discussing the clinical implications of using this framework, we provide specific examples of using this method and provide some explicit recommendations for research and clinical practice.

Citing Articles

Exploring Motor-Cognitive Interference Effects and the Influence of Self-Reported Physical Activity on Dual-Task Walking in Parkinson's Disease and Healthy Older Adults.

Klotzbier T, Schott N, Park S, Almeida Q Brain Sci. 2025; 15(2).

PMID: 40002447 PMC: 11853502. DOI: 10.3390/brainsci15020114.

Motor Assessment Timed Test (MATT): A New Timed Test to Assess Functional Mobility in Parkinson's Disease Patients.

Sebastia-Amat S, Tortosa-Martinez J, Pueo B J Clin Med. 2025; 14(2).

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Comparison of stimulation sites enhancing dual-task performance using transcranial direct current stimulation in Parkinson's disease.

Yun S, Hyun S, Lee W, Oh B, Seo H NPJ Parkinsons Dis. 2025; 11(1):19.

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Mapping the neural substrate of high dual-task gait cost in older adults across the cognitive spectrum.

Ali P, Dinomais M, Labriffe M, Pieruccini-Faria F, Montero-Odasso M, Bartha R Brain Struct Funct. 2025; 230(1):25.

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