Dual-Task Predictors in Graduate Healthcare Students with Athletic Backgrounds

Graduate healthcare students may have athletic backgrounds with history of concussion. Since these students spend much time multi-tasking while guarding, transferring, and treating patients in clinical settings, understanding the potential impact of external factors on dual-task abilities may help better equip them for success. # Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between concussion history, concussion education, and athletic history on academic performance and different single- and dual-task assessments among graduate healthcare students. # Study Design A cross-sectional, repeated measures study. # Methods A convenience sample of 33 graduate healthcare students, between the ages of 21-31 years old, were recruited from a health sciences institution. Inclusion criteria included enrollment at the institution and being between the ages of 18 and 35 years old. Exclusion criteria included a concussion within the past 30 days, current post-concussion symptoms, an upper and/or lower extremity injury, and/or pregnancy. Investigators collected subjective sport, concussion, and academic history before data collection. Then, participants were randomly assigned to perform single- and dual-task cognitive and walking activities. Parameters of gait and cognitive activity scores were measured to calculate dual-task cost (DTC). Next, principle component analyses were conducted to incorporate all measured variables into a single model for linear regression. Linear regressions were used to model the relationships between sport and concussion history and each component. # Results Data were collected for 32 participants (aged 25 ± 2.46 years). A lack of concussion history was a significant predictor for experiencing greater DTC for performing a memory/recall task while walking backward. Additionally, lacking formal concussion education was a significant predictor for a higher DTC associated with the visuospatial task while walking backward. Finally, a longer history of athletic play predicted a lower undergraduate GPA. # Conclusions Lacking concussion history and education as well as having a longer athletic history significantly predicted aspects of DTC and academic achievement in graduate healthcare students. These data may influence future decision-making criteria and processes when supporting and guiding students with athletic backgrounds through healthcare education programs involving psychomotor activities. Further studies with a larger sample and control for plausible confounding variables may provide additional insight. # Level of Evidence 2b.