Age differences in dual task performance: Validating the use of the pursuit rotor

Abstract

To validate a digital pursuit rotor task as a measure for dual task research, young (n=40) and older (n=40) adults were asked to produce language samples while engaged in the pursuit-rotor task. Young adults tracked faster at baseline and in dual task conditions. Young adults also spoke more rapidly than the older adults at baseline and in most dual task conditions. In task priority conditions, young adults appeared to be able to change their performance to match the priority whereas older adults’ performance did not change in task priority conditions. Advantages of the rotor over other dual task measures are discussed.