Effect of age on performance of task with spatial conflict

We investigated the effect of aging during a dual task paradigm involving a postural and cognitive task. We measured postural sway and performance in a virtual environment. Older adults had increased response times and decreased accuracy compared to younger adults. Compared to young adults, older adults displayed a tighter control of the center of pressure, decreased sway in standing, while performing the spatial conflict task. This suggests that older adults either prioritize postural control over the cognitive task or they adopt a strategy of intentionally decreasing sway to facilitate performance. Results support balance-retraining protocols that start with single tasks and progress to more difficult multiple tasks.