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Persistency and flexibility of complex brain networks underlie dual-task interference.

ABSTRACT: Previous studies on multitasking suggest that performance decline during concurrent task processing arises from interfering brain modules. Here, we used graph-theoretical network analysis to define functional brain modules and relate the modular organization of complex brain networks to behavioral dual-task costs. Based on resting-state and task fMRI we explored two organizational aspects potentially associated with behavioral interference when human subjects performed a visuospatial and speech task simultaneously: the topological overlap between persistent single-task modules, and the flexibility of single-task modules in adaptation to the dual-task condition. Participants showed a significant decline in visuospatial accuracy in the dual-task compared with single visuospatial task. Global analysis of topological similarity between modules revealed that the overlap between single-task modules significantly correlated with the decline in visuospatial accuracy. Subjects with larger overlap between single-task modules showed higher behavioral interference. Furthermore, lower flexible reconfiguration of single-task modules in adaptation to the dual-task condition significantly correlated with larger decline in visuospatial accuracy. Subjects with lower modular flexibility showed higher behavioral interference. At the regional level, higher overlap between single-task modules and less modular flexibility in the somatomotor cortex positively correlated with the decline in visuospatial accuracy. Additionally, higher modular flexibility in cingulate and frontal control areas and lower flexibility in right-lateralized nodes comprising the middle occipital and superior temporal gyri supported dual-tasking. Our results suggest that persistency and flexibility of brain modules are important determinants of dual-task costs. We conclude that efficient dual-tasking benefits from a specific balance between flexibility and rigidity of functional brain modules.

SUBMITTER: Alavash M

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6869626 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Persistency and flexibility of complex brain networks underlie dual-task interference.

Alavash Mohsen M Hilgetag Claus C CC Thiel Christiane M CM Gießing Carsten C

Human brain mapping 20150612 9

Previous studies on multitasking suggest that performance decline during concurrent task processing arises from interfering brain modules. Here, we used graph-theoretical network analysis to define functional brain modules and relate the modular organization of complex brain networks to behavioral dual-task costs. Based on resting-state and task fMRI we explored two organizational aspects potentially associated with behavioral interference when human subjects performed a visuospatial and speech ...[more]

PMID: 26095953

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Project description:BackgroundSickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder that causes physical and cognitive impairment due to hemolysis, painful vaso-occlusion episodes, joint avascular necrosis, and strokes. As individuals with SCD age and develop conditions impacting their physical and cognitive function, their ability to multitask successfully and safely may decline. Cognitive-motor dual-task interference occurs when there is deterioration in one or both tasks while dual-tasking relative to single-tasking. Dual-task assessment (DTA) is a valuable measure of physical and cognitive function; however, there is limited data on DTA in adults with SCD.Research questionIs DTA a feasible and safe method of measuring physical and cognitive function in adults with SCD? What patterns of cognitive-motor interference occur in adults with SCD?MethodsWe enrolled 40 adults with SCD (mean age 44 years, range 20-71) in a single-center prospective cohort study. We used usual gait speed as the measure of motor performance and verbal fluency (F, A, and S) as the measure of cognitive performance. We measured feasibility as the proportion of consented participants able to complete the DTA. We calculated the relative dual-task effect (DTE %) for each task and identified patterns of dual-task interference.ResultsMost consented participants completed the DTA (91%, 40/44) and there were no adverse events. There were 3 main dual-task interference patterns for the first trial using letter 'A': Motor Interference (53%, n = 21), Mutual Interference (23%, n = 9), and Cognitive-Priority Tradeoff (15%, n = 6). For the second trial using letter 'S', there were two main dual-task interference patterns: Cognitive-Priority Tradeoff (53%, n = 21) and Motor Interference (25%, n = 10).Statement of significanceDTA was feasible and safe in adults with SCD. We identified specific patterns of cognitive-motor interference. This study supports further evaluation of DTA as a potentially useful tool to measure physical and cognitive function in ambulatory adults with SCD.

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Persistency and flexibility of complex brain networks underlie dual-task interference.

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Persistency and flexibility of complex brain networks underlie dual-task interference.

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