Motor Learning and Working Memory in Children: The Role of Cognitive-Motor and Motor-Motor Dual-Task Training

The present study aims to examine the effects of two dual-task training methods (motor -motor and cognitive-motor) as well as a single task method on static and dynamic balance and also on the working memory in children. Forty-five children (all male; mean age 8.82 +/- 0.83 years) were selected and randomly assigned into three experimental groups. In the pretest, posttest, and retention stages, the participants took static, and dynamic balance tests, as well as an n-back task. In the training stage, the participants practiced selected balance training tasks under dual-task motor-motor and motor-cognitive conditions as well as a single task over a period of four weeks at two sessions per week. The results of the paired samples t-test indicated that children in all groups improved their balance performance and working memory (p <= .05). The results of ANCOVA showed that the balance training group under motor-motor dual-task conditions outperformed the other two groups in terms of the dynamic balance scores (p <= .05). An improved performance was also observed for the cognitive-motor dual-task conditions compared to the single-task group (p <= .01). In terms of static balance and working memory, both dual-task groups, regardless of the types of their tasks, outperformed the single task group (p <= .05).