Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice ›› 2025, Vol. 31 ›› Issue (11): 1322-1332.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-9771.2025.11.009

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Effect of dual tasks with different cognitive loads on prefrontal lobe activation and static posture control in young men

WU Mengyi1, WANG Chong1, WANG Pengfei1, XING Zeyu1, HUO Hongfeng1,2()   

  1. 1. School of Physical Education, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, China
    2. Key Laboratory of Human Movement Bioinformatics Evaluation of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, China
  • Received:2025-06-11 Revised:2025-09-10 Published:2025-11-25 Online:2025-11-26
  • Contact: HUO Hongfeng E-mail:hhf413@163.com
  • Supported by:
    Hebei Provincial Science and Technology Support Project(16275709);Hebei Normal University Graduate Innovation and Autonomy Project(XCXZZBS202554)

Abstract:

Objective To explore the effect of cognitive-motor dual tasks with different cognitive loads (none, simple and difficult) on activation of prefrontal cortex and static posture control in young man.

Methods From June to July, 2024, 27 healthy male college students were recruited in Hebei Normal University. Static postural control parameters (C90 area), lower limb electromyography data (muscle energy proportion) and prefrontal cortex hemodynamic signals of subjects under single task without cognitive load, dual-task with simple cognitive load, and dual-task with difficult cognitive load were collected using a balanced testing and training system, a wireless surface electromyography device, and functional near-infrared spectroscopy technology.

Results The C90 areas of dual-tasks with simple and difficult cognitive load were smaller than that of the single task without cognitive load (P < 0.05). The proportion of β band energy in the medial and lateral gastrocnemius muscles in the dual-task with simple cognitive load was greater than that in the single task without cognitive load (P < 0.05), while the proportion of piper band energy in the lateral gastrocnemius muscle and tibialis anterior muscle was less (P < 0.05). During dual-task with difficult cognitive load, the activation levels of bilateral ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex were higher than those in the single task without cognitive load (P < 0.05).

Conclusion Dual tasks with appopriate cognitive loads are effective on postural stability in young man. Simple cognitive load promote posture maintenance through optimizing the neuromuscular control of the lower limb muscle groups, while difficult cognitive load through activating the right prefrontal cortex involved in working memory and executive control, involving the neurocognitive compensatory.

Key words: dual tasks, cortical activation, functional near-infrared spectroscopy, posture control

CLC Number: