Prof. Dr. Claudia Voelcker-Rehage: Neuromotor Behavior and Exercise

Abstract

Multitasking in virtual scenarios – aging, influencing factors and neuronal correlates

Multitasking is an integral part of our daily life. Driving a car while using a mobile phone, and strolling on the sidewalk while watching shop windows, are often-cited examples of everyday behavior in which we execute multiple actions concurrently. It is well established that multitasking skills deteriorate in older age. This deterioration has been attributed to an interrelated decay of perceptual, sensorimotor, and cognitive functions. In this talk, different multitasking studies with older adults conducted in complex virtual scenarios (driving, street crossing, normal walking) will be presented. Further, neuronal correlates of multitasking assessed via fNIRS as well as potential moderating factors and training approaches will be critically discussed.