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Series on BIOMECHANICS   ISSN 1313-2458
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Kinematic, stabilometric, and electromyographic per-formance during a motor task with simple and com-plex cognitive demands in 18- to 25-year-olds: search-ing for biomechanical evidence of shared resource theory in cognitive science
J. Ernesto Pérez-Parraorcid, D. López-Londoñoorcid
Abstract: Background: The theory of shared resources between motor and cognitive control posits that the central nervous system utilizes the same resources to respond to both cognitive and motor demands. In other words, there are competing demands in cognitive-motor interactions. To test this theory, the experimental paradigm of the dual cognitive-motor task is employed. The present research uses biomechanical tools to test the theory of embodied cognition. Objective: To assess the impact of both simple and complex cognitive tasks on kinematic, electromyographic, and stabilometric variables during a motor task in individuals aged 18 to 25, with the aim of contributing to the shared resource construct in cognitive sciences. Material and methods: An experimental study was conducted, where each participant engaged in both the experimental group with a dual task (involving simple and complex cognitive demands) and the control group (with no cognitive demands) at different times. The motor task involved pressing a manual counter for 30 seconds (single task). Stabilometric measurements (center of pressure displacement with eyes open), electromyographic measurements (percentage of maximum voluntary contraction and fatigue index of the middle deltoid, upper trapezius, and radial carpal extensor), and kinematic measurements (angular displacements of shoulder abduction-adduction and wrist flexion-extension, captured in the frontal plane) were compared. Forty university students, aged 18 to 25, with an equal distribution of males and females, in normal health and functional capacity, was assessed. Results: The main significant differences were found in stabilometric variables between the baseline condition and the situation of complex cognitive demand: mean displacement and velocity of the center of pressure (p < 0.005), and body barycenter or ellipse surface (p = 0.011). Conclusions: The medium-term results could be applied to cognitive and functional rehabilitation processes through cognitive-motor strategies. This may aid in attenuating cognitive impairment, treating mental health conditions, and managing sensory-perceptual-motor deficiencies.

Series on Biomechanics, Vol.38, No.2 (2024), 11-22
DOI: 10.7546/SB.02.02.2024


Keywords: biomechanical phenomena; Cognition; dual task; electromyography; movement; postural balance
References: (click to open/close)
DOI: 10.7546/SB.02.02.2024
Date published: 2024-08-01
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