1
|
Rodriguez-Rodríguez S, Canet-Vintró M, Wee SO, Rodríguez-Sanz J, López-de-Celis C, Oviedo GR, Labata-Lezaun N, Pérez-Bellmunt A. Cognitive Enhancement Strategies for Older Adults: An Evaluation of Different Training Modalities to Improve Executive Function-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Clin Med 2024; 13:1301. [PMID: 38592139 PMCID: PMC10931602 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13051301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The aging population is expected to triple by 2050. Executive functions decline with age, impacting daily tasks, and this is associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Aerobic and resistance exercises positively affect cognitive function in older adults by influencing growth markers. However, the modalities of exercise and the optimal parameters for maximum cognitive benefits remain unclear. (2) Methods: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) was conducted. The systematic search was on slowing cognitive decline and performed in the PubMed/MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases. Articles were included if participants were ≥65 years, healthy, and performing resistance or aerobic exercise, and they were excluded if there was a combination of training and if they have neurological disease or cognitive impairment. (3) Results: The search strategy found a total of 1635 studies. After removing duplicates and assessing the inclusion and exclusion criteria, eight articles were included in the meta-analysis, with a total of 463 healthy older adults analyzed. No significant differences between the intervention groups and the control groups after the aerobic or resistance programs were found. (4) Conclusions: Aerobic exercise interventions improved executive function more than resistance training in older adults, but without statistically significant differences. This can serve as a guide to see, with caution, whether we need a multidisciplinary approach to be more effective in improving the cortical health of older adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergi Rodriguez-Rodríguez
- Basic Sciences Department, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, 08195 Barcelona, Spain; (S.R.-R.); (M.C.-V.); (J.R.-S.); (G.R.O.); (A.P.-B.)
- ACTIUM Functional Anatomy Research Group, Sant Cugat del Vallés, 08195 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Max Canet-Vintró
- Basic Sciences Department, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, 08195 Barcelona, Spain; (S.R.-R.); (M.C.-V.); (J.R.-S.); (G.R.O.); (A.P.-B.)
- ACTIUM Functional Anatomy Research Group, Sant Cugat del Vallés, 08195 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Sang Ouk Wee
- Department of Kinesiology. California State University, San Bernardino, CA 92407, USA;
| | - Jacobo Rodríguez-Sanz
- Basic Sciences Department, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, 08195 Barcelona, Spain; (S.R.-R.); (M.C.-V.); (J.R.-S.); (G.R.O.); (A.P.-B.)
- ACTIUM Functional Anatomy Research Group, Sant Cugat del Vallés, 08195 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Carlos López-de-Celis
- ACTIUM Functional Anatomy Research Group, Sant Cugat del Vallés, 08195 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Guillermo R. Oviedo
- Basic Sciences Department, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, 08195 Barcelona, Spain; (S.R.-R.); (M.C.-V.); (J.R.-S.); (G.R.O.); (A.P.-B.)
- ACTIUM Functional Anatomy Research Group, Sant Cugat del Vallés, 08195 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Noé Labata-Lezaun
- ACTIUM Functional Anatomy Research Group, Sant Cugat del Vallés, 08195 Barcelona, Spain;
- Department of Physiotherapy, Universidad de Vitoria-Gateiz (EUNEIZ), 01013 Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Albert Pérez-Bellmunt
- Basic Sciences Department, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, 08195 Barcelona, Spain; (S.R.-R.); (M.C.-V.); (J.R.-S.); (G.R.O.); (A.P.-B.)
- ACTIUM Functional Anatomy Research Group, Sant Cugat del Vallés, 08195 Barcelona, Spain;
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hiew S, Roothans J, Eldebakey H, Volkmann J, Zeller D, Reich MM. Imaging the Spin: Disentangling the Core Processes Underlying Mental Rotation by Network Mapping of Data From Meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 150:105187. [PMID: 37086933 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
Research on the mental rotation task has sparked debate regarding the specific processes that underly the capability of humans to mentally rotate objects. The spread of reported brain activations suggests that mental rotation is subserved by a neural network circle. However, no common network has yet been found that uncovers the crucial processes underlying this ability. We aimed to identify the common network crucial for mental rotation by coordinate-based network mapping of previous neuroimaging findings in mental rotation. A meta-analysis revealed 710 peak activation coordinates from 42 fMRI studies in mental rotation, which include a total 844 participants. The coordinates were mapped to a normative functional connectome (n = 1000) to identify a network of connected regions. To account for experimental factors, we examined this network against two control tasks, action imitation and symbolic number processing. A common and crucial network for mental rotation, centring on dorsal premotor, superior parietal and inferior temporal lobes was revealed. This network, separated from other experimental aspects, suggests that the crucial processes underlying mental rotation are motor rotation, visuospatial processing, and higher order visual object recognition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shawn Hiew
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Jonas Roothans
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Germany
| | - Hazem Eldebakey
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jens Volkmann
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Zeller
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Germany
| | - Martin M Reich
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wüthrich F, Lefebvre S, Nadesalingam N, Bernard JA, Mittal VA, Shankman SA, Walther S. Test-retest reliability of a finger-tapping fMRI task in a healthy population. Eur J Neurosci 2023; 57:78-90. [PMID: 36382406 PMCID: PMC9990175 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Measuring brain activity during functional MRI (fMRI) tasks is one of the main tools to identify brain biomarkers of disease or neural substrates associated with specific symptoms. However, identifying correct biomarkers relies on reliable measures. Recently, poor reliability was reported for task-based fMRI measures. The present study aimed to demonstrate the reliability of a finger-tapping fMRI task across two sessions in healthy participants. Thirty-one right-handed healthy participants aged 18-60 years took part in two MRI sessions 3 weeks apart during which we acquired finger-tapping task-fMRI. We examined the overlap of activations between sessions using Dice similarity coefficients, assessing their location and extent. Then, we compared amplitudes calculating intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) in three sets of regions of interest (ROIs) in the motor network: literature-based ROIs (10-mm-radius spheres centred on peaks of an activation likelihood estimation), anatomical ROIs (regions as defined in an atlas) and ROIs based on conjunction analyses (superthreshold voxels in both sessions). Finger tapping consistently activated expected regions, for example, left primary sensorimotor cortices, premotor area and right cerebellum. We found good-to-excellent overlap of activations for most contrasts (Dice coefficients: .54-.82). Across time, ICCs showed large variability in all ROI sets (.04-.91). However, ICCs in most ROIs indicated fair-to-good reliability (mean = .52). The least specific contrast consistently yielded the best reliability. Overall, the finger-tapping task showed good spatial overlap and fair reliability of amplitudes on group level. Although caution is warranted in interpreting correlations of activations with other variables, identification of activated regions in response to a task and their between-group comparisons are still valid and important modes of analysis in neuroimaging to find population tendencies and differences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florian Wüthrich
- Translational Research Center, University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Translational Imaging Center (TIC), Swiss Institute for Translational and Entrepreneurial Medicine, Bern, Switzerland.,Graduate School for Health Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stephanie Lefebvre
- Translational Research Center, University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Translational Imaging Center (TIC), Swiss Institute for Translational and Entrepreneurial Medicine, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Niluja Nadesalingam
- Translational Research Center, University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Translational Imaging Center (TIC), Swiss Institute for Translational and Entrepreneurial Medicine, Bern, Switzerland.,Graduate School for Health Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jessica A Bernard
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Vijay A Mittal
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA.,Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences, Northwestern University, Evanston/Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA.,Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Stewart A Shankman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Sebastian Walther
- Translational Research Center, University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Translational Imaging Center (TIC), Swiss Institute for Translational and Entrepreneurial Medicine, Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Contreras-Osorio F, Ramirez-Campillo R, Cerda-Vega E, Campos-Jara R, Martínez-Salazar C, Araneda R, Ebner-Karestinos D, Arellano-Roco C, Campos-Jara C. Effects of Sport-Based Exercise Interventions on Executive Function in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191912573. [PMID: 36231873 PMCID: PMC9566349 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Exercise programs of moderate-to-vigorous intensity have been shown to improve the cognitive performance of older people. However, the specific effects of sports-based exercise programs on cognitive performance, particularly executive functions, remain unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to clarify the effects of sports-based exercise programs on executive functions in older adults using a systematic review and meta-analysis of the scientific literature. A systematic review was conducted between 1 March and 1 July 2022, to look for published scientific evidence that analyzed different sports programs that may have affected executive function in healthy older adults. Longitudinal studies, which assessed the effects of sports interventions on healthy older adults, were identified through a systematic search of the four principal electronic databases: Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCO. A total of nine studies with a total of 398 subjects met the inclusion criteria and were classified based on one or more of the following categories: working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility. The DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model was performed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software to facilitate the analysis of the studies. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. In terms of working memory, a small but positive significant effect was noted for the intervention group compared to the control group (effect size (ES) = 0.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.04-0.67; p = 0.029; I2 = 36.7%); in terms of inhibition, the intervention had a small favoring but no significant effect compared to the control group (ES = 0.20, 95% CI = -0.42-0.84; p = 0.517; I2 = 78.8%); and in terms of cognitive flexibility, the intervention had a small favoring but no significant effect compared to the control group (ES = 0.39, 95% CI = -0.11-0.89; p = 0.131; I2 = 75.5%). Our findings suggest that healthy older adults should be encouraged to participate in sports to improve their working memory; however, more studies are required in this area to reach more robust conclusions. This systematic review was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (registration number: CRD42022284788).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Falonn Contreras-Osorio
- Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 7591538, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Ramirez-Campillo
- Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 7591538, Chile
| | - Enrique Cerda-Vega
- Pedagogy in Physical Education and Health Career, Department of Health Science, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile
| | | | - Cristian Martínez-Salazar
- Departamento de Educación Física, Deportes y Recreación, Pedagogía en Educación Física, Facultad de Educación y Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4780000, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Araneda
- Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 7591538, Chile
| | - Daniela Ebner-Karestinos
- Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 7591538, Chile
| | - Cristián Arellano-Roco
- Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 7591538, Chile
| | - Christian Campos-Jara
- Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 7591538, Chile
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +56-9-42057069
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Contreras-Osorio F, Ramirez-Campillo R, Cerda-Vega E, Campos-Jara R, Martínez-Salazar C, Arellano-Roco C, Campos-Jara C. Effects of Sport-Based Interventions on Executive Function in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocol. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12091142. [PMID: 36138879 PMCID: PMC9496824 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12091142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise programs have proven to exert positive effects on the cognitive performance of older people. However, the specific effects sport-based exercise programs have on cognitive performance, upon executive functions, remain unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to clarify the effects of sport-based exercise programs on executive functions in older adults, through a systematic review protocol of the scientific literature, with a meta-analysis. Methods: The search was performed in the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCO electronic databases by combining keywords and different medical subject headings (MeSH) to identify and evaluate the relevant studies from inception up until June 2022. This study considers longitudinal studies with at least one experimental group and pre- and post-intervention measurements involving healthy older adults of 60 years of age or older. Studies have to consider one or more measures of executive function, including dimensions of working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility, in order to meet the eligibility criteria for inclusion in this report. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale was used for methodological quality assessment studies. The DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model was used to compute the meta-analyses and report effect sizes (ES, i.e., Hedges’ g) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), and a statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05. The ES values were calculated for executive function globally and for each dimension of executive function (e.g., working memory, inhibition, cognitive flexibility) in the experimental and control/comparator groups using the mean and standard deviation values before and after the intervention period. Conclusions: Our systematic review aims to clarify the effects of sport-based exercise programs on executive functions in older adults. The results may help practitioners and stakeholders to provide better evidence-based decisions regarding sport-based exercise program implementation for older adults, and to help them to optimize cognitive functions during the aging process. Ethical permission is not required for this study. Systematic review registration: this systematic review is registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; registration number: CRD42022284788).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Falonn Contreras-Osorio
- Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 7591538, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Ramirez-Campillo
- Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 7591538, Chile
| | - Enrique Cerda-Vega
- Pedagogy in Physical Education and Health Career, Department of Health Science, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago de Chile 7820436, Chile
| | | | - Cristian Martínez-Salazar
- Departamento de Educación Física, Deportes y Recreación, Pedagogía en Educación Física, Facultad de Educación y Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4780000, Chile
| | - Cristián Arellano-Roco
- Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 7591538, Chile
| | - Christian Campos-Jara
- Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 7591538, Chile
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +56-9-42057069
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Merriman NA, Roudaia E, Ondřej J, Romagnoli M, Orvieto I, O’Sullivan C, Newell FN. “CityQuest,” A Custom-Designed Serious Game, Enhances Spatial Memory Performance in Older Adults. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:806418. [PMID: 35356302 PMCID: PMC8959141 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.806418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Spatial cognition is known to decline with aging. However, little is known about whether training can reduce or eliminate age-related deficits in spatial memory. We investigated whether a custom-designed video game involving spatial navigation, obstacle avoidance, and balance control would improve spatial memory in older adults. Specifically, 56 healthy adults aged 65 to 84 years received 10 sessions of multicomponent video game training, based on a virtual cityscape, over 5 weeks. Participants were allocated to one of three training conditions: the main intervention, the “CityQuest” group (n = 19), and two control groups, spatial navigation without obstacle avoidance (“Spatial Navigation-only” group, n = 21) and obstacle avoidance without spatial navigation (“Obstacles-only” group, n = 15). Performance on object recognition, egocentric and allocentric spatial memory (incorporating direction judgment tasks and landmark location tasks, respectively), navigation strategy preference, and executive functioning was assessed in pre- and post-intervention sessions. The results showed an overall benefit on performance in a number of spatial memory measures and executive function for participants who received spatial navigation training, particularly the CityQuest group, who also showed significant improvement on the landmark location task. However, there was no evidence of a shift from egocentric to allocentric strategy preference. We conclude that spatial memory in healthy older participants is amenable to improvement with training over a short term. Moreover, technology based on age-appropriate, multicomponent video games may play a key role in cognitive training in older adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niamh A. Merriman
- School of Psychology, Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eugenie Roudaia
- School of Psychology, Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jan Ondřej
- School of Computer Science and Statistics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | - Carol O’Sullivan
- School of Computer Science and Statistics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Fiona N. Newell
- School of Psychology, Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- *Correspondence: Fiona N. Newell,
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sedaghati P, Goudarzian M, Ahmadabadi S, Tabatabai-Asl SM. The impact of a multicomponent-functional training with postural correction on functional balance in the elderly with a history of falling. J Exp Orthop 2022; 9:23. [PMID: 35233709 PMCID: PMC8888785 DOI: 10.1186/s40634-022-00459-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Good posture plays a significant role for the elderly in achieving optimal quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of multicomponent functional training with postural correction on functional balance in the elderly with a history of falling. Methods This study was a randomized controlled, single-blind study. Subjects (n = 28, mean age = 70 years) with a history of falling were selected and randomly allocated to either a multicomponent functional training (n = 14) or a control group (n = 14). The experimental group exercised for 8 weeks, three days per week for 60 min per day. The training program with strength, endurance, and balance parts was conducted in the multi-task conditions to stimulate the physical and cognitive abilities focusing on the attentional-correct posture. The control group received conventional care. The Berg balance and short physical performance battery tests were used in the pre-test and post-test. The adjusted post-test means of experimental and control groups were analyzed using the ANCOVA test to eliminate any pretest effects. Results This study found a significant effect of training on Berg balance test (P = 0.001), Timed Up and Go with D-T (P = 0.01), Timed Up and Go (P = 0.002), and Short Physical Performance Battery (P = 0.001). Conclusions Eight weeks of multicomponent exercise training has beneficial effects on balance and physical function and results in improved equilibrium and a decreasing probability of falling. Therefore, practitioners can use this 8-week training program for older adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Sedaghati
- Department of Sports Injuries and Corrective Exercise, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, IR, Iran.
| | - Maryam Goudarzian
- Iranian Research Center On Healthy Aging, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, IR, Iran.
| | - Somayeh Ahmadabadi
- Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Farhangian University, Tehran, IR, Iran
| | - Seyed Mojtaba Tabatabai-Asl
- Department of Sports Injuries and Corrective Exercise, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, IR, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Seer C, Sidlauskaite J, Lange F, Rodríguez-Nieto G, Swinnen SP. Cognition and action: a latent variable approach to study contributions of executive functions to motor control in older adults. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:15942-15963. [PMID: 34166223 PMCID: PMC8266336 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Aging is associated with profound alterations in motor control that may be exacerbated by age-related executive functioning decline. Executive functions span multiple facets including inhibition (suppressing unwanted response tendencies), shifting (switching between cognitive operations), and updating (managing working memory content). However, comprehensive studies regarding the contributions of single facets of executive functioning to movement control in older adults are still lacking. A battery of nine neuropsychological tasks was administered to n = 92 older adults in order to derive latent factors for inhibition, shifting, and updating by structural equation modeling. A bimanual task was used to assess complex motor control. A sample of n = 26 young adults served as a control group to verify age-related performance differences. In older adults, structural equation models revealed that performance on the most challenging condition of the complex motor task was best predicted by the updating factor and by general executive functioning performance. These data suggest a central role for working memory updating in complex motor performance and contribute to our understanding of how individual differences in executive functioning relate to movement control in older adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Seer
- Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Flanders, Belgium.,KU Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
| | - Justina Sidlauskaite
- Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Flanders, Belgium.,KU Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
| | - Florian Lange
- Behavioral Engineering Research Group, KU Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
| | - Geraldine Rodríguez-Nieto
- Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Flanders, Belgium.,KU Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
| | - Stephan P Swinnen
- Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Flanders, Belgium.,KU Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Henry M, Baudry S. Age-related changes in leg proprioception: implications for postural control. J Neurophysiol 2019; 122:525-538. [PMID: 31166819 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00067.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
In addition to being a prerequisite for many activities of daily living, the ability to maintain steady upright standing is a relevant model to study sensorimotor integrative function. Upright standing requires managing multimodal sensory inputs to produce finely tuned motor output that can be adjusted to accommodate changes in standing conditions and environment. The sensory information used for postural control mainly arises from the vestibular system of the inner ear, vision, and proprioception. Proprioception (sense of body position and movement) encompasses signals from mechanoreceptors (proprioceptors) located in muscles, tendons, and joint capsules. There is general agreement that proprioception signals from leg muscles provide the primary source of information for postural control. This is because of their exquisite sensitivity to detect body sway during unperturbed upright standing that mainly results from variations in leg muscle length induced by rotations around the ankle joint. However, aging is associated with alterations of muscle spindles and their neural pathways, which induce a decrease in the sensitivity, acuity, and integration of the proprioceptive signal. These alterations promote changes in postural control that reduce its efficiency and thereby may have deleterious consequences for the functional independence of an individual. This narrative review provides an overview of how aging alters the proprioceptive signal from the legs and presents compelling evidence that these changes modify the neural control of upright standing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Henry
- Laboratory of Applied Biology and Research Unit in Applied Neurophysiology, ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Stéphane Baudry
- Laboratory of Applied Biology and Research Unit in Applied Neurophysiology, ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Daily Bicycling in Older Adults May be Effective to Reduce Fall Risks-A Case-Control Study. J Aging Phys Act 2018; 26:570-576. [PMID: 29345533 DOI: 10.1123/japa.2017-0263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Older adults gain many health benefits from riding bicycles regularly. We aimed to explore whether older persons who ride bicycles regularly have better balance than controls. Balance control and voluntary stepping were assessed in 20 older adults aged 65-85 years who live in an agricultural community village and who ride bicycles regularly, and 30 age- and gender-matched nonbicycle riders (NBR). Self-reported function and fear of fall were also assessed. Bicycle riders (BR) showed significantly better balance, faster voluntary stepping, and better self-reported advanced lower-extremity function compared with NBR. The results might suggest that bicycling regularly preserves balance control and speed of voluntary stepping in older adults because bicycling might maintain specific balance coordination patterns. The results should be treated with caution as bicycle riders were older adults who selected an active lifestyle (i.e., bicycling as well as living in an agricultural village) that may bias the results.
Collapse
|
11
|
|
12
|
Chalavi S, Pauwels L, Heise KF, Zivari Adab H, Maes C, Puts NAJ, Edden RAE, Swinnen SP. The neurochemical basis of the contextual interference effect. Neurobiol Aging 2018; 66:85-96. [PMID: 29549874 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2018.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Revised: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Efficient practice organization maximizes learning outcome. Although randomization of practice as compared to blocked practice damages training performance, it boosts retention performance, an effect called contextual interference. Motor learning modulates the GABAergic (gamma-aminobutyric acid) system within the sensorimotor cortex (SM); however, it is unclear whether different practice regimes differentially modulate this system and whether this is impacted by aging. Young and older participants were trained on 3 variations of a visuomotor task over 3 days, following either blocked or random practice schedule and retested 6 days later. Using magnetic resonance spectroscopy, SM and occipital cortex GABA+ levels were measured before and after training during the first and last training days. We found that (1) behavioral data confirmed the contextual interference effects, (2) within-day occipital cortex GABA+ levels decreased in random and increased in blocked group. This effect was more pronounced in older adults; and (3) baseline SM GABA+ levels predicted initial performance. These findings indicate a differential modulation of GABA levels across practice groups that is amplified by aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sima Chalavi
- KU Leuven, Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, Group Biomedical Sciences, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lisa Pauwels
- KU Leuven, Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, Group Biomedical Sciences, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kirstin-Friederike Heise
- KU Leuven, Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, Group Biomedical Sciences, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hamed Zivari Adab
- KU Leuven, Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, Group Biomedical Sciences, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Celine Maes
- KU Leuven, Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, Group Biomedical Sciences, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nicolaas A J Puts
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N Wolfe St., Park 367C, Baltimore, MD, USA; F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Maryland, USA
| | - Richard A E Edden
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N Wolfe St., Park 367C, Baltimore, MD, USA; F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Maryland, USA
| | - Stephan P Swinnen
- KU Leuven, Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, Group Biomedical Sciences, Leuven, Belgium; Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience & Disease (LIND), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Papegaaij S, Hortobágyi T, Godde B, Kaan WA, Erhard P, Voelcker-Rehage C. Neural correlates of motor-cognitive dual-tasking in young and old adults. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0189025. [PMID: 29220349 PMCID: PMC5722310 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
When two tasks are performed simultaneously, performance often declines in one or both tasks. These so-called dual-task costs are more pronounced in old than in young adults. One proposed neurological mechanism of the dual-task costs is that old compared with young adults tend to execute single-tasks with higher brain activation. In the brain regions that are needed for both tasks, the reduced residual capacity may interfere with performance of the dual-task. This competition for shared brain regions has been called structural interference. The purpose of the study was to determine whether structural interference indeed plays a role in the age-related decrease in dual-task performance. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to investigate 23 young adults (20–29 years) and 32 old adults (66–89 years) performing a calculation (serial subtraction by seven) and balance-simulation (plantar flexion force control) task separately or simultaneously. Behavioral performance decreased during the dual-task compared with the single-tasks in both age groups, with greater dual-task costs in old compared with young adults. Brain activation was significantly higher in old than young adults during all conditions. Region of interest analyses were performed on brain regions that were active in both tasks. Structural interference was apparent in the right insula, as quantified by an age-related reduction in upregulation of brain activity from single- to dual-task. However, the magnitude of upregulation did not correlate with dual-task costs. Therefore, we conclude that the greater dual-task costs in old adults were probably not due to increased structural interference.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Selma Papegaaij
- Center for Human Movement Sciences, Groningen University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- * E-mail: (SP); (CV)
| | - Tibor Hortobágyi
- Center for Human Movement Sciences, Groningen University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ben Godde
- Jacobs Center on Lifelong Learning and Institutional Development, Jacobs University Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Wim A. Kaan
- Center for Human Movement Sciences, Groningen University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Erhard
- Brain Research Institute, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Claudia Voelcker-Rehage
- Jacobs Center on Lifelong Learning and Institutional Development, Jacobs University Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- * E-mail: (SP); (CV)
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Langhanns C, Müller H. Effects of trying 'not to move' instruction on cortical load and concurrent cognitive performance. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2017; 82:167-176. [PMID: 29052758 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-017-0928-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Motor and cognitive tasks often interfere when performed concurrently. The amount of interference typically scales with difficulty of the tasks involved. Thus, supposedly 'easy' motor tasks with restricted movement amplitude, like sitting on a chair, should show little or no interference with cognitive tasks at all. We measured the processing load induced by different postural tasks and their effect on cognitive performance under cognitive-motor dual-task conditions. Sixteen subjects performed postural motor tasks in three different positions: 'Lying in a sun lounger', 'Sitting on a bike saddle', and 'Upright on feet'. In each position, three different movement instructions were given; 'Stay stock-still', 'Relax', 'Move easily'. Each combination of position and instruction was performed as single task but also in a dual-task condition with a concurrent calculation task. Brain activity in the right prefrontal cortex was monitored using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. The instruction to 'Stay stock-still' produced higher cortical loads in single-task conditions for all positions compared to all other instructions. The calculation task induced additional brain activity in the same prefrontal area as the motor task. Calculation performance tended to be reduced in the 'Lying'-'Stay stock-still' condition. We discuss the relevance of these findings for learning scenarios in school.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Langhanns
- Institute of Sport Science, Justus Liebig University, Kugelberg 58, 35394, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Hermann Müller
- Institute of Sport Science, Justus Liebig University, Kugelberg 58, 35394, Giessen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Paillard T. Plasticity of the postural function to sport and/or motor experience. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 72:129-152. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Revised: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
16
|
Ruffieux J, Keller M, Lauber B, Taube W. Changes in Standing and Walking Performance Under Dual-Task Conditions Across the Lifespan. Sports Med 2016; 45:1739-58. [PMID: 26253187 PMCID: PMC4656695 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-015-0369-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Simultaneous performance of a postural and a concurrent task is rather unproblematic as long as the postural task is executed in an automatic way. However, in situations where postural control requires more central processing, cognitive resources may be exceeded by the addition of an attentionally demanding task. This may lead to interference between the two tasks, manifested in a decreased performance in one or both tasks (dual-task costs). Owing to changes in attentional demands of postural tasks as well as processing capacities across the lifespan, it might be assumed that dual-task costs are particularly pronounced in children and older adults probably leading to a U-shaped pattern for dual-task costs as a function of age. However, these changes in the ability of dual-tasking posture from childhood to old age have not yet been systematically reviewed. Therefore, Web of Science and PubMed databases were searched for studies comparing dual-task performance with one task being standing or walking in healthy groups of young adults and either children or older adults. Seventy-nine studies met inclusion criteria. For older adults, the expected increase in dual-task costs could be confirmed. In contrast, in children there was only feeble evidence for a trend towards enlarged dual-task costs. More good-quality studies comparing dual-task ability in children, young, and, ideally, also older adults within the same paradigm are needed to draw unambiguous conclusions about lifespan development of dual-task performance in postural tasks. There is evidence that, in older adults, dual-task performance can be improved by training. For the other age groups, these effects have yet to be investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Ruffieux
- Department of Medicine, Movement and Sport Sciences, University of Fribourg, Bd de Pérolles 95, 1700, Fribourg, Switzerland.
| | - Martin Keller
- Department of Medicine, Movement and Sport Sciences, University of Fribourg, Bd de Pérolles 95, 1700, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Benedikt Lauber
- Department of Sport and Sport Science, University of Freiburg, Schwarzwaldstr. 175, 79117, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Taube
- Department of Medicine, Movement and Sport Sciences, University of Fribourg, Bd de Pérolles 95, 1700, Fribourg, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Cortical activity modulations underlying age-related performance differences during posture–cognition dual tasking. Exp Brain Res 2016; 234:3321-3334. [DOI: 10.1007/s00221-016-4730-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
18
|
Solesio‐Jofre E, Serbruyns L, Woolley DG, Mantini D, Beets IAM, Swinnen SP. Aging effects on the resting state motor network and interlimb coordination. Hum Brain Mapp 2014; 35:3945-61. [PMID: 24453170 PMCID: PMC6869293 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.22450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2013] [Revised: 11/29/2013] [Accepted: 12/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Both increases and decreases in resting state functional connectivity have been previously observed within the motor network during aging. Moreover, the relationship between altered functional connectivity and age-related declines in bimanual coordination remains unclear. Here, we explored the developmental dynamics of the resting brain within a task-specific motor network in a sample of 128 healthy participants, aged 18-80 years. We found that age-related increases in functional connectivity between interhemispheric dorsal and ventral premotor areas were associated with poorer performance on a novel bimanual visuomotor task. Additionally, a control analysis performed on the default mode network confirmed that our age-related increases in functional connectivity were specific to the motor system. Our findings suggest that increases in functional connectivity within the resting state motor network with aging reflect a loss of functional specialization that may not only occur in the active brain but also in the resting brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Solesio‐Jofre
- Motor Control LaboratoryMovement Control and Neuroplasticity Research GroupKU Leuven, Tervuurse Vest 1013001LeuvenBelgium
| | - Leen Serbruyns
- Motor Control LaboratoryMovement Control and Neuroplasticity Research GroupKU Leuven, Tervuurse Vest 1013001LeuvenBelgium
| | - Daniel G. Woolley
- Motor Control LaboratoryMovement Control and Neuroplasticity Research GroupKU Leuven, Tervuurse Vest 1013001LeuvenBelgium
| | - Dante Mantini
- Department of Health Sciences and TechnologyETH ZurichWinterthurerstrasse 1908057ZurichSwitzerland
- Department of Experimental PsychologyUniversity of Oxford9 South Parks Road, OX1 3UD OxfordUnited Kingdom
- Laboratory for Neuro‐ and PsychophysiologyDepartment of NeurosciencesKU Leuven, Herestraat 493000LeuvenBelgium
| | - Iseult A. M. Beets
- Motor Control LaboratoryMovement Control and Neuroplasticity Research GroupKU Leuven, Tervuurse Vest 1013001LeuvenBelgium
| | - Stephan P. Swinnen
- Motor Control LaboratoryMovement Control and Neuroplasticity Research GroupKU Leuven, Tervuurse Vest 1013001LeuvenBelgium
- Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience & Disease (LIND)KU LeuvenBelgium
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Flatters I, Mushtaq F, Hill LJB, Rossiter A, Jarrett-Peet K, Culmer P, Holt R, Wilkie RM, Mon-Williams M. Children's head movements and postural stability as a function of task. Exp Brain Res 2014; 232:1953-70. [PMID: 24668127 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-014-3886-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2013] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Manual dexterity and postural control develop throughout childhood, leading to changes in the synergistic relationships between head, hand and posture. But the postural developments that support complex manual task performance (i.e. beyond pointing and grasping) have not been examined in depth. We report two experiments in which we recorded head and posture data whilst participants simultaneously performed a visuomotor task. In Experiment 1, we explored the extent to which postural stability is affected by concurrently performing a visual and manual task whilst standing (a visual vs. manual-tracking task) in four age groups: 5-6 years (n = 8), 8-9 years (n = 10), 10-11 years (n = 7) and 19-21 years (n = 9). For visual tracking, the children's but not adult's postural movement increased relative to baseline with a larger effect for faster moving targets. In manual tracking, we found greater postural movement in children compared to adults. These data suggest predictive postural compensation mechanisms develop during childhood to improve stability whilst performing visuomotor tasks. Experiment 2 examined the extent to which posture is influenced by manual activity in three age groups of children [5-6 years (n = 14), 7-8 years (n = 25), and 9-10 years (n = 24)] when they were seated, given that many important tasks (e.g. handwriting) are learned and performed whilst seated. We found that postural stability varied in a principled manner as a function of task demands. Children exhibited increased stability when tracing a complex shape (which required less predictive postural adjustment) and decreased stability in an aiming task (which required movements that were more likely to perturb posture). These experiments shed light on the task-dependant relationships that exist between postural control mechanisms and the development of specific types of manual control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ian Flatters
- Institute of Psychological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Boisgontier MP, Beets IAM, Duysens J, Nieuwboer A, Krampe RT, Swinnen SP. Age-related differences in attentional cost associated with postural dual tasks: increased recruitment of generic cognitive resources in older adults. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2013; 37:1824-37. [PMID: 23911924 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2013] [Revised: 07/17/2013] [Accepted: 07/24/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Dual-task designs have been used widely to study the degree of automatic and controlled processing involved in postural stability of young and older adults. However, several unexplained discrepancies in the results weaken this literature. To resolve this problem, a careful selection of dual-task studies that met certain methodological criteria are considered with respect to reported interactions of age (young vs. older adults)×task (single vs. dual task) in stable and unstable postural conditions. Our review shows that older adults are able to perform a postural dual task as well as younger adults in stable conditions. However, when the complexity of the postural task is increased by dynamic conditions (surface and surround), performance in postural, concurrent, or both tasks is more affected in older relative to young adults. In light of neuroimaging studies and new conceptual frameworks, these results demonstrate an age-related increase of controlled processing of standing associated with greater intermittent adjustments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu P Boisgontier
- Motor Control Laboratory, Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, KU Leuven, Tervuurse vest 101, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|