ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a more comprehensive account of the nature of postural changes in response to different types of memory tasks. It explores how different types of material (verbal or visual) and memory processes (encoding and rehearsal) affected postural sway. Prior to the experiment, participants’ visual and verbal memory spans were assessed. Memory task difficulty was matched to each participant’s span. Participants were instructed to stand relaxed on a force platform, breathe normally, and let their arms hang naturally to the side. The position of the feet was measured and marked, and remained constant for the duration of the experiment. After posture data collection ceased participants recalled the position of a randomly selected item from the string. In a no-task control condition participants were asked to stand relaxed throughout the trial. During all trials (including control), one of three levels of interference (none, visual, or verbal) was introduced during rehearsal.
