Cognitive–motor dual-task
Cognitive–motor dual-task has been studied in 5 papers since 2017: 4 observational studies in people, 1 review; 2 in the past year. The newest paper, May 29, 2026: “Motor- and cognitive-dominant functional network adaptations supporting dual-task performance in older adults”.
5 papers study it8 findingsUpdated
See all 5 papers on cognitive–motor dual-task
At a glance
The findings reach people, from one lab or study. 3 independent labs in 3 countries.
“MCAv increased when transitioning from a simple single-task to a more complex dual-task”
1 of its findings points the other way.
- 3 independent labs in 3 countries
- 1 finding against
- Funders: Academic Medical Organization of Southwestern Ontario and 7 more
- 3 of 8 findings with company ties
- Humans4
What did studies of cognitive–motor dual-task find?
6Studies of cognitive–motor dual-task measured 6 outcomes; the most studied are motor performance (2 studies), cognitive function (2) and cortical functional connectivity (1).
Motor performance
downin humans2
2 studies
Motor performance
downin humans2
Cognitive–motor dual-task impairs motor performance in humans.
“older adults showed significant dual-task costs in motor performance, whereas cognitive performance was relatively preserved”
Human trial
Imaging neuroscience (Cambridge, Mass.)
Cognitive–motor dual-task is linked with worse motor performance in humans (older adults performing dual-task versus single-task).
“older adults showed significant dual-task costs in motor performance, while cognitive performance was preserved.”
Humansolder adults performing dual-task versus single-taskn = 40
Domain-Specific Functional Network Adaptations Supporting Dual-Task Performance in Older Adults
bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)Preprint
Cognitive function
downin humans1no changein humans1
2 studies
Cognitive function
downin humans1no changein humans1
Cognitive–motor dual-task impairs cognitive function in humans.
“while also highlighting a decline in motor and cognitive performance”
Human trialn = 56
Navigating the brain: How cerebral blood flow shifts with task complexity
PloS one
Cognitive–motor dual-task was not clearly linked with cognitive function in humans (older adults performing dual-task versus single-task).
“older adults showed significant dual-task costs in motor performance, while cognitive performance was preserved.”
Humansolder adults performing dual-task versus single-taskn = 40
Domain-Specific Functional Network Adaptations Supporting Dual-Task Performance in Older Adults
bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)Preprint
Cortical functional connectivity
upin humans1
1 study
Cortical functional connectivity
upin humans1
Cognitive–motor dual-task increases cortical functional connectivity in NT and IT.
“Overall FC strength increased in the NT and IT, particularly between the LPFC and RPFC, LPFC and RMC, and RPFC and LMC”
Human trialin NT and ITcortexn = 34
Frontiers in aging neuroscience
Dual-task performance
downin humans1
1 study
Dual-task performance
downin humans1
Cognitive–motor dual-task impairs dual-task performance in humans under higher-load conditions.
“dual-task performance declined under both higher-load conditions”
Human trialunder higher-load conditionsn = 34
Frontiers in aging neuroscience
Gait performance
downin humans1
1 study
Gait performance
downin humans1
Cognitive–motor dual-task impairs gait performance in humans.
“while also uncovering declines in gait and cognitive performance”
Human trialn = 56
Navigating the brain: How cerebral blood flow shifts with task complexity
PloS one
Middle cerebral artery blood velocity
upin humans1
1 study
Middle cerebral artery blood velocity
upin humans1
Cognitive–motor dual-task increases middle cerebral artery blood velocity in humans.
“MCAv increased when transitioning from a simple single-task to a more complex dual-task”
Human trialn = 56
Navigating the brain: How cerebral blood flow shifts with task complexity
PloS one