Practice Mediates Bidirectional Dual-Task Interference When Performing a Novel Sequential Nonword Repetition Task

Introduction: The current study examined the extent to which practice amount mediates dual-task interference patterns associated with concurrent performance of a novel speech task and attention-demanding visuomotor task. Method: A Sequential Nonword Repetition Task was used to examine the effect of practice on interference associated with concurrent performance of a Visuomotor Pursuit Task. Twenty-five young adult participants were assigned to either an Extended Practice Group or a Limited Practice Group and performed a novel Sequential Nonword Repetition Task in isolation and while performing a concurrent visuomotor pursuit rotor task. Results: Participants in the Limited Practice Group who were afforded a limited amount of practice exhibited & nbsp;dual-task interference (i.e., dual-task performance reductions) for both the speech and visuomotor tasks (i.e., bidirectional dual-task interference). Conversely, participants in the Extended Practice Group who were afforded extended practice exhibited little-to-no observable dual-task interference on the nonword repetition task. Conclusion: Data from the current investigation suggest that the amount of initial practice mediates the degree of dual-task interference observed when a novel speech production task is performed with an attention-demanding Visuomotor Pursuit Task. Supplemental Material: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha. 14608071

Automated summary

The current study found that the amount of initial practice mediates the degree of dual-task interference observed when performing a novel speech production task with an attention-demanding visuomotor task.