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Multiple Resource Theory Explains Multi-Tasking Limits in Adolescents

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Brains have resources for the execution of only a finite number of tasks at the same time. Geralt/Pexels

The brain's shared pool of resources are allocated across different tasks, modalities, and processes, spanning from sensory level processing to meaning level processing. 

By Patrick James Hibbert 
14 Jun 2020

Balance prevents falls, improves sports and mechanical skills, and promotes growth and development in adolescents. Maintaining balance and upright body position requires lots of cognitive resources.

This fact is demonstrated in the inability of adolescents to multi-task cognitive tasks and keeping upright body posture. When adolescents perform tasks with their eyes closed their upper body sways, according to studies. This is an example of the Multiple Resource Theory. Here, cognitive and visual processing streams compete for common central resources.


Evidence shows performing a cognitive task inhibits visual processing. And researchers from Anqing Normal University’s School of Sports, in China, recently found that the difficulty of the task plays no role. 


They tested 21 adolescents, aged 16-19, on a dynamometer platform to assess their balance while doing simple and difficult tasks as fast as possible with their eyes open and closed. Subtracting 3 and 18 from a random four-digit number continuously were their simple and difficult tasks respectively.



The researchers found that with their eyes open and closed they swayed performing, both, simple and difficult cognitive tasks. In fact, they swayed more with them closed. This supports a previous study's findings that concluded, limiting the visual field increases upright body sway. Because there was sway with their eyes open researchers believe processing cognitive tasks reduces the role of vision in upright posture control.


Visual function, cognitive function, and upright posture stability control are not independent systems. Upright posture balance is a complex multidimensional process dependent upon proprioceptive, vestibular and skin sensations. Proprioception lets you sense your body’s position without the use of a mirror. The vestibular system helps sense balance, and it's a part of the inner ear. 


Because cognitive and visual processes compete for the same resources, the loss of posture control can happen in adolescents in two ways. When a cognitive task is performed and when their visual field is limited. As a result of this study, scientists recommend adding interfering factors into the balance and training of young people to improve their effectiveness.


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