Abstract:

Executive functions are believed to be a prerequisite for complex human behavior. Dual-task performance is one classical paradigm to investigate executive functions. The localization of executive functions in dual-task performance identified the prefrontal cortex (PFC) as related to dual-task performance. Behavioral dual-task paradigms and over lapping dual tasks were included in the classical dual-task paradigms. The prefrontal cortex was a novel area specialized involved in dual-task executive processes, which including two opinions: additional activation in the PFC and a different magnitude of activation between dual- and single task. The three sub-regions of PFC - frontopolar cortex (FPC), medial frontal cortex (MFC), lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) - were played different role in dual task performance. FPC is relation to cooperate subtasks; MFC code for the reward expected according to motivation clues; LPFC are involved in selecting and maintaining action selection rules. Meanwhile, a neurocomputational model was introduced, showing that how the PFC involved in dual task executive processing. Further research should adopt more suitable paradigm according to experimental purposes and improve the existing analysis methods, and further discussion on executive function of dual-task performance should be employed.

Key words: executive function of dual task performance, prefrontal cortex, frontopolar cortex, medial frontal cortex, lateral prefrontal cortex