The Effect of Dual-task Training on a Serial Reaction Time Task for Motor Learning

Purpose: We examined the effect of dual-task and single-task training on serial reaction time (SRT) task performance to determine whether SRT is based more on motor or perception in a dual-task. Methods: Forty healthy adults were divided into two groups: the dual-task group (mean age, $21.8{\pm}1.6$ years) and the single-task group (mean age, $21.7{\pm}1.6$ years). SRT task was conducted total 480 trial. The four figures were presented randomly 16 times. A unit was set as 1 block that would repeat 10 times. Thus, there were a total of 160 trials for each of the three color conditions. The dual-task group performed an SRT task while detecting the color of a specific shape. The end of the task, subjects answered the specific shape number; the single-task group only performed the SRT task. The study consisted of three parts: pre-measurement, task performance, and post-measurement. Results: Differences of pre and post reaction time between two group was higher for the dual-task group as compared to the single task group and there was a significant interaction between time and group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Our results indicate that. short term period SRT is not quiet effective under dual-task conditions, individuals need additional cognitive processes to successfully navigate a task This suggests that dual-task training might not be appropriate for motor learning enhancement, at least when the training is over a short period.