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Research Note
4 June 2021

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

Publication: Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research
Volume 64, Number 6
Pages 1904-1917

Abstract

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 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.

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Information & Authors

Information

Published In

Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research
Volume 64Number 64 June 2021
Pages: 1904-1917
PubMed: 34019771

History

  • Received: Oct 12, 2020
  • Revised: Dec 30, 2020
  • Accepted: Feb 5, 2021
  • Published online: May 21, 2021
  • Published in issue: Jun 4, 2021

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Authors

Affiliations

Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Bowling Green State University, OH
Author Contributions: Conceptualization, Formal analysis, Methodology, Writing - original draft, and Writing - review & editing.
Serena R. Holdosh
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Bowling Green State University, OH
Author Contributions: Formal analysis, Writing - original draft, and Writing - review & editing.

Notes

Disclosure: The authors have declared that no competing interests existed at the time of publication.
Correspondence to Jason A. Whitfield: [email protected]
Editor-in-Chief: Bharath Chandrasekaran
Editor: Kate Bunton

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  • Speaking demands: concurrent visuomotor rotor pursuit tracking measures cognitive load for speech, Speech, Language and Hearing, 10.1080/2050571X.2024.2317027, 27, 4, (324-336), (2024).
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