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Kuhn YA, Egger S, Bugnon M, Lehmann N, Taubert M, Taube W. Age-related decline in GABAergic intracortical inhibition can be counteracted by long-term learning of balance skills. J Physiol 2024. [PMID: 38949035 DOI: 10.1113/jp285706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Ageing induces a decline in GABAergic intracortical inhibition, which seems to be associated not only with decremental changes in well-being, sleep quality, cognition and pain management but also with impaired motor control. So far, little is known regarding whether targeted interventions can prevent the decline of intracortical inhibition in the primary motor cortex in the elderly. Therefore, the present study investigated whether age-related cortical dis-inhibition could be reversed after 6 months of balance learning and whether improvements in postural control correlated with the extent of reversed dis-inhibition. The results demonstrated that intracortical inhibition can be upregulated in elderly subjects after long-term balance learning and revealed a correlation between changes in balance performance and intracortical inhibition. This is the first study to show physical activity-related upregulation of GABAergic inhibition in a population with chronic dis-inhibition and may therefore be seminal for many pathologies in which the equilibrium between inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters is disturbed. KEY POINTS: Ageing induces a decline in GABAergic intracortical inhibition. So far, little is known regarding whether targeted interventions can prevent the decline of intracortical inhibition in the primary motor cortex in the elderly. After 6 months of balance learning, intracortical inhibition can be upregulated in elderly subjects. The results of this study also revealed a correlation between changes in balance performance and intracortical inhibition. This is the first study to show physical activity-related upregulation of GABAergic inhibition in a population with chronic dis-inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yves-Alain Kuhn
- Department of Neurosciences and Movement Science, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Sven Egger
- Department of Neurosciences and Movement Science, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Matteo Bugnon
- Department of Neurosciences and Movement Science, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Nico Lehmann
- Department of Neurosciences and Movement Science, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Department of Sport Science, Institute III, Faculty of Humanities, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- Collaborative Research Center 1436 Neural Resources of Cognition, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Marco Taubert
- Department of Sport Science, Institute III, Faculty of Humanities, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
- Collaborative Research Center 1436 Neural Resources of Cognition, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral and Brain Science (CBBS), Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Taube
- Department of Neurosciences and Movement Science, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
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Haitas N, Dubuc J, Massé-Leblanc C, Chamberland V, Amiri M, Glatard T, Wilson M, Joanette Y, Steffener J. Registered report: Age-preserved semantic memory and the CRUNCH effect manifested as differential semantic control networks: An fMRI study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0289384. [PMID: 38917084 PMCID: PMC11198863 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Semantic memory representations are generally well maintained in aging, whereas semantic control is thought to be more affected. To explain this phenomenon, this study tested the predictions of the Compensation-Related Utilization of Neural Circuits Hypothesis (CRUNCH), focusing on task demands in aging as a possible framework. The CRUNCH effect would manifest itself in semantic tasks through a compensatory increase in neural activation in semantic control network regions but only up to a certain threshold of task demands. This study compares 39 younger (20-35 years old) with 39 older participants (60-75 years old) in a triad-based semantic judgment task performed in an fMRI scanner while manipulating task demand levels (low versus high) through semantic distance. In line with the CRUNCH predictions, differences in neurofunctional activation and behavioral performance (accuracy and response times) were expected in younger versus older participants in the low- versus high-demand conditions, which should be manifested in semantic control Regions of Interest (ROIs). Our older participants had intact behavioral performance, as proposed in the literature for semantic memory tasks (maintained accuracy and slower response times (RTs)). Age-invariant behavioral performance in the older group compared to the younger one is necessary to test the CRUNCH predictions. The older adults were also characterized by high cognitive reserve, as our neuropsychological tests showed. Our behavioral results confirmed that our task successfully manipulated task demands: error rates, RTs and perceived difficulty increased with increasing task demands in both age groups. We did not find an interaction between age group and task demand, or a statistically significant difference in activation between the low- and high-demand conditions for either RTs or accuracy. As for brain activation, we did not find the expected age group by task demand interaction, or a significant main effect of task demand. Overall, our results are compatible with some neural activation in the semantic network and the semantic control network, largely in frontotemporoparietal regions. ROI analyses demonstrated significant effects (but no interactions) of task demand in the left and right inferior frontal gyrus, the left posterior middle temporal gyrus, the posterior inferior temporal gyrus and the prefrontal gyrus. Overall, our test did not confirm the CRUNCH predictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niobe Haitas
- Laboratory of Communication and Aging, Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jade Dubuc
- Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Vincent Chamberland
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mahnoush Amiri
- Laboratory of Communication and Aging, Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tristan Glatard
- Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Maximiliano Wilson
- Centre de Recherche CERVO – CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale et Département de Réadaptation, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Yves Joanette
- Laboratory of Communication and Aging, Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jason Steffener
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Sato SD, Shah VA, Fettrow T, Hall KG, Tays GD, Cenko E, Roy A, Clark DJ, Ferris DP, Hass CJ, Manini TM, Seidler RD. Resting state brain network segregation is associated with walking speed and working memory in older adults. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.07.592861. [PMID: 38766046 PMCID: PMC11100712 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.07.592861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Older adults exhibit larger individual differences in walking ability and cognitive function than young adults. Characterizing intrinsic brain connectivity differences in older adults across a wide walking performance spectrum may provide insight into the mechanisms of functional decline in some older adults and resilience in others. Thus, the objectives of this study were to: (1) determine whether young adults and high- and low-functioning older adults show group differences in brain network segregation, and (2) determine whether network segregation is associated with working memory and walking function in these groups. The analysis included 21 young adults and 81 older adults. Older adults were further categorized according to their physical function using a standardized assessment; 54 older adults had low physical function while 27 were considered high functioning. Structural and functional resting state magnetic resonance images were collected using a Siemens Prisma 3T scanner. Working memory was assessed with the NIH Toolbox list sorting test. Walking speed was assessed with a 400 m-walk test at participants' self-selected speed. We found that network segregation in mobility-related networks (sensorimotor, vestibular, and visual networks) was higher in younger adults compared to older adults. There were no group differences in laterality effects on network segregation. We found multivariate associations between working memory and walking speed with network segregation scores. Higher right anterior cingulate cortex network segregation was associated with higher working memory function. Higher right sensorimotor, right vestibular, right anterior cingulate cortex, and lower left anterior cingulate cortex network segregation was associated with faster walking speed. These results are unique and significant because they demonstrate higher network segregation is largely related to higher physical function and not age alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumire D Sato
- Department of Applied Kinesiology and Physiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Valay A Shah
- Department of Applied Kinesiology and Physiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Tyler Fettrow
- Department of Applied Kinesiology and Physiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA, USA
| | - Kristina G Hall
- Department of Applied Kinesiology and Physiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Grant D Tays
- Department of Applied Kinesiology and Physiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Erta Cenko
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions, and College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Arkaprava Roy
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - David J Clark
- Department of Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Daniel P Ferris
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Chris J Hass
- Department of Applied Kinesiology and Physiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Todd M Manini
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Rachael D Seidler
- Department of Applied Kinesiology and Physiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Krethlow G, Fargier R, Atanasova T, Ménétré E, Laganaro M. Asynchronous behavioral and neurophysiological changes in word production in the adult lifespan. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhae187. [PMID: 38715409 PMCID: PMC11077060 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhae187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Behavioral and brain-related changes in word production have been claimed to predominantly occur after 70 years of age. Most studies investigating age-related changes in adulthood only compared young to older adults, failing to determine whether neural processes underlying word production change at an earlier age than observed in behavior. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating whether changes in neurophysiological processes underlying word production are aligned with behavioral changes. Behavior and the electrophysiological event-related potential patterns of word production were assessed during a picture naming task in 95 participants across five adult lifespan age groups (ranging from 16 to 80 years old). While behavioral performance decreased starting from 70 years of age, significant neurophysiological changes were present at the age of 40 years old, in a time window (between 150 and 220 ms) likely associated with lexical-semantic processes underlying referential word production. These results show that neurophysiological modifications precede the behavioral changes in language production; they can be interpreted in line with the suggestion that the lexical-semantic reorganization in mid-adulthood influences the maintenance of language skills longer than for other cognitive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Krethlow
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, Bd du Pont d’Arve 40, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Tanja Atanasova
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, Bd du Pont d’Arve 40, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Eric Ménétré
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, Bd du Pont d’Arve 40, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marina Laganaro
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, Bd du Pont d’Arve 40, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland
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Sager CA, Diamond E, Hulsey-Vincent MR, Marneweck M. Repeated context-specific actions disrupt feedforward adjustments in motor commands in younger and older adults. J Neurophysiol 2024; 131:891-899. [PMID: 38568504 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00455.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The flexibility of the motor system to adjust a planned action before or during the execution of the movement in response to sensory information is critical for preventing errors in motor control. As individuals age, this function declines, leading to an increased incidence of motor errors. Although sensory processing and cognitive decline are known contributors to this impairment, here, we test the hypothesis that repetition of context-specific planned actions interferes with the adjustment of feedforward motor commands. Younger and older participants were instructed to grasp and lift a T-shaped object with a concealed, off-sided center of mass and minimize its roll through anticipatory force control, relying predominantly on predictive model-driven planning (i.e., sensorimotor memories) developed through repeated lifts. We selectively manipulate the number of trial repeats with the center of mass on one side before switching it to the other side of the T-shaped object. The results showed that increasing the number of repetitions improved performance in manipulating an object with a given center of mass but led to increased errors when the object's center of mass was switched. This deleterious effect of repetition on feedforward motor adjustment was observed in younger and older adults. Critically, we show these effects on an internal model-driven motor planning task that relies predominantly on sensorimotor memory, with no differences in sensory inputs from the repetition manipulation. The findings indicate that feedforward motor adjustments are hampered by repetitive stereotyped planning and execution of motor behavior.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Adjusting planned actions in response to sensory stimuli degrades with age contributing to increased incidence of errors ranging from clumsy spills to catastrophic falls. Multiple factors likely contribute to age-related motor inflexibility, including sensory- and cognition-supporting system declines. Here, we present compelling evidence for repetition to disrupt feedforward adjusting of motor commands in younger and older adults, which suggests increases in stereotypy as a deleterious potentiator of motor control errors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Anne Sager
- Department of Human Physiology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States
| | - Ella Diamond
- Department of Human Physiology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States
| | | | - Michelle Marneweck
- Department of Human Physiology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States
- Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact, Eugene, Oregon, United States
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Paitel ER, Nielson KA. Cerebellar EEG source localization reveals age-related compensatory activity moderated by genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease. Psychophysiology 2023; 60:e14395. [PMID: 37493042 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.14395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
The apolipoprotein-E (APOE) ε4 allele is the greatest genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD), but alone it is not sufficiently predictive. Because neuropathological changes associated with AD begin decades before cognitive symptoms, neuroimaging of healthy, cognitively intact ε4 carriers (ε4+) may enable early characterization of patterns associated with risk for future decline. Research in the cerebral cortex highlights a period of compensatory recruitment in elders and ε4+, which serves to maintain cognitive functioning. Yet, AD-related changes may occur even earlier in the cerebellum. Advances in electroencephalography (EEG) source localization now allow effective modeling of cerebellar activity. Importantly, healthy aging and AD are associated with declines in both cerebellar functions and executive functioning (EF). However, it is not known whether cerebellar activity can detect pre-symptomatic AD risk. Thus, the current study analyzed cerebellar EEG source localization during an EF-dependent stop-signal task (i.e., inhibitory control) in healthy, intact older adults (Mage = 80 years; 20 ε4+, 25 ε4-). Task performance was comparable between groups. Older age predicted greater activity in left crus II and lobule VIIb during the P300 window (i.e., performance evaluation), consistent with age-related compensation. Age*ε4 moderations specifically showed that compensatory patterns were evident only in ε4-, suggesting that cerebellar compensatory resources may already be depleted in healthy ε4+ elders. Thus, the posterolateral cerebellum is sensitive to AD-related neural deficits in healthy elders. Characterization of these patterns may be essential for the earliest possible detection of AD risk, which would enable critical early intervention prior to symptom onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth R Paitel
- Department of Psychology, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Kristy A Nielson
- Department of Psychology, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Neurology, Center for Imaging Research, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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7
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Beier F, Löffler M, Nees F, Bekrater-Bodmann R, Silvoni S, Desch S, Löffler A, Hausner L, Frölich L, Flor H. Effects of an app-based sensorimotor training in promoting neuroplasticity and neuropsychological functioning in frailty: A randomized controlled trial. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2023; 115:105202. [PMID: 37776754 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2023.105202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loss of sensorimotor stimulation and maladaptive plastic changes of the brain may play a major role in problematic aging phenomena such as frailty. However, it is not clear if interventions specifically targeting neuroplasticity can reverse or slow the development of frailty. OBJECTIVES We compared the effect of a tablet-based neuroplasticity-oriented sensorimotor training (experimental group, EG) and a tablet-based relaxation training (control group, CG) on frailty and sensorimotor brain function. METHODS Interventions consisted of daily 30 min sessions distributed over 90 days. Assessments took place at baseline, after 60 days, and after 90 days. A total of N = 48 frail older adults (EG: n = 24; CG: n = 24) were assigned to the two groups and reassessed after 60 days. Primary outcomes included frailty phenotype (FP) and frailty index (FI). Sensorimotor brain activity was evaluated using functional magnetic resonance imaging and single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation. RESULTS After 60 days of training, both groups showed a reduction in the number of FP criteria (p < 0.001) with a trend towards a significant time-by-group interaction (p = 0.058) indicating a stronger reduction of frailty in the EG (p < 0.001) compared to the CG (p = 0.039). In addition, pain was significantly reduced in the EG but not the CG. No significant effects were found for measures of brain function. DISCUSSION We provided initial evidence that a neuroplasticity-oriented sensorimotor training could be beneficial in counteracting frailty as well as chronic pain. Further studies are needed to determine the potentially underlying neuroplastic mechanisms and the influence of plasticity-related biomarkers as well as their clinical significance. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03666039 (registered 11 September 2018).
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Beier
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Square J5, Mannheim 68159, Germany.
| | - Martin Löffler
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Square J5, Mannheim 68159, Germany; Department of Experimental Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany; Integrative Spinal Research Group, Department of Chiropractic Medicine, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Frauke Nees
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Square J5, Mannheim 68159, Germany; Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Robin Bekrater-Bodmann
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Square J5, Mannheim 68159, Germany; Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Stefano Silvoni
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Square J5, Mannheim 68159, Germany
| | - Simon Desch
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Square J5, Mannheim 68159, Germany; Department of Experimental Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Annette Löffler
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Square J5, Mannheim 68159, Germany
| | - Lucrezia Hausner
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Square J5, Mannheim 68159, Germany; Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Lutz Frölich
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Herta Flor
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Square J5, Mannheim 68159, Germany; Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, University of Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
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Skolasinska P, Basak C, Qin S. Influence of Strenuous Physical Activity and Cardiorespiratory Fitness on Age-Related Differences in Brain Activations During Varieties of Cognitive Control. Neuroscience 2023; 520:58-83. [PMID: 37054946 PMCID: PMC10234626 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
While there is extensive literature on the beneficial effects of physical activity on age differences in cognitive control, limited research exists on comparing the contributions of strenuous physical activity (sPA) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) to fluctuations in the blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signals during varieties of cognitive control. The current study addresses this gap in knowledge by investigating BOLD signal differences between high-fit and low-fit older adults, determined by their sPA or CRF, during a novel fMRI task with a hybrid block and event-related design that included transient activations (during switching, updating and their combination trials) and sustained activations (during proactive and reactive control blocks). fBOLD signals from older (n = 25) were compared to more functionally efficient younger (n = 15) adults. High-sPA old showed higher task accuracy than Low-sPA old and similar accuracy as young. Whole-brain fMRI analyses identified higher BOLD activations (esp. dlPFC/MFG) in high-fit old during updating and combination trials that were similar to young, suggesting maintenance of BOLD signals in higher fit older adults during working memory updating. Additionally, both High-sPA and High-CRF related compensatory overactivation were observed in left parietal and occipital areas during sustained activations, which were positively correlated with older adults' accuracy. These results suggest that physical fitness is a modifier of age-related changes in BOLD signal modulation elicited in response to increasing cognitive control demands, with higher fitness in old contributing to both compensatory overactivations and maintenance of task-related brain activations during cognitive control, whereas lower fitness contributed to maladaptive overactivations during lower cognitive demands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Skolasinska
- Center for Vital Longevity, Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Dallas, USA
| | - Chandramallika Basak
- Center for Vital Longevity, Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Dallas, USA.
| | - Shuo Qin
- Center for Vital Longevity, Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Dallas, USA
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Depestele S, van Dun K, Verstraelen S, Van Hoornweder S, Meesen R. Midfrontal Theta and Cognitive Control During Interlimb Coordination Across the Adult Lifespan. J Mot Behav 2023; 55:278-288. [PMID: 36863697 DOI: 10.1080/00222895.2023.2183178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Interlimb coordination is required for adequate execution of most daily life activities. Yet, aging negatively affects interlimb coordination, impacting the quality of life in older people. Therefore, disentangling the underlying age-related neural mechanisms is of utmost importance. Here, we investigated neurophysiological processes of an interlimb reaction time task, including both simple and complex coordination modes. Midfrontal theta power, measured using electroencephalography (EEG), was analyzed as a marker for cognitive control. In total, 82 healthy adults participated, with 27 younger, 26 middle-aged, and 29 older adults. On a behavioral level, reaction time increased across the adult lifespan, and error rate was higher in older adults. Notably, aging disproportionately affected reaction times in the complex coordination modes, with larger reaction time increases from simple to complex movements than in younger adults, starting already at middle age. On the neurophysiological level, EEG showed that only younger adults had significantly increased levels of midfrontal theta power during complex relative to simple coordination modes, while no significant differences were found between simple and complex movements in middle-aged and older adults. The absence of this theta power upregulation with regard to movement complexity with increasing age might reflect a premature saturation of the available mental resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siel Depestele
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, REVAL - Rehabilitation Research Center, Agoralaan, UHasselt-Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Kim van Dun
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, REVAL - Rehabilitation Research Center, Agoralaan, UHasselt-Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Stefanie Verstraelen
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, REVAL - Rehabilitation Research Center, Agoralaan, UHasselt-Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Sybren Van Hoornweder
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, REVAL - Rehabilitation Research Center, Agoralaan, UHasselt-Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Raf Meesen
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, REVAL - Rehabilitation Research Center, Agoralaan, UHasselt-Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
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10
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Depestele S, van Dun K, Verstraelen S, Ross V, Van Hoornweder S, Brijs K, Brijs T, Getzmann S, Meesen R. Age-related changes in midfrontal theta activity during steering control: A driving simulator study. Neurobiol Aging 2023; 123:145-153. [PMID: 36572595 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2022.11.014] [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: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
Motor control, a ubiquitous part of driving, requires increased cognitive controlled processing in older adults relative to younger adults. However, the influence of aging on motor-related neural mechanisms in the context of driving has rarely been studied. The present study aimed to identify age-related changes in cognitive control and attention allocation during a simulated steering task, using electroencephalography. Midfrontal theta, a marker for cognitive control, and posterior alpha power, a marker for attention allocation, were measured in a total of 26 young, 25 middle-aged, and 28 older adults. By adapting driving speed, the difficulty level of this steering task was individualized for each participant. Results show age-related changes in midfrontal theta power, but not in posterior alpha power, despite similar steering accuracy across age groups. Specifically, only younger and, to a lesser extent, middle-aged adults exhibited increased theta power while driving through more demanding curved segments relative to straight segments. In contrast, theta power upregulation was absent in older adults, suggesting a saturation of cognitive resources while driving, possibly due to a limitation in resource capacity, or less automatic motor-related neural processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siel Depestele
- UHasselt-Hasselt University, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, REVAL - Rehabilitation Research Center, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
| | - Kim van Dun
- UHasselt-Hasselt University, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, REVAL - Rehabilitation Research Center, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Stefanie Verstraelen
- UHasselt-Hasselt University, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, REVAL - Rehabilitation Research Center, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Veerle Ross
- UHasselt-Hasselt University, School of Transportation Sciences, Transportation Research Institute (IMOB), Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Sybren Van Hoornweder
- UHasselt-Hasselt University, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, REVAL - Rehabilitation Research Center, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Kris Brijs
- UHasselt-Hasselt University, School of Transportation Sciences, Transportation Research Institute (IMOB), Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Tom Brijs
- UHasselt-Hasselt University, School of Transportation Sciences, Transportation Research Institute (IMOB), Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Stephan Getzmann
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Raf Meesen
- UHasselt-Hasselt University, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, REVAL - Rehabilitation Research Center, Diepenbeek, Belgium
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11
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Liu Y, Lim K, Sundman MH, Ugonna C, Ton That V, Cowen S, Chou YH. Association Between Responsiveness to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Interhemispheric Functional Connectivity of Sensorimotor Cortex in Older Adults. Brain Connect 2023; 13:39-50. [PMID: 35620910 PMCID: PMC9942174 DOI: 10.1089/brain.2021.0180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a promising therapeutic technique, and is believed to accomplish its effect by influencing the stimulated and remotely connected areas. However, responsiveness to rTMS shows high interindividual variability, and this intersubject variability is particularly high in older adults. It remains unclear whether baseline resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) contributes to this variability in older adults. The aims of this study are to (1) examine rTMS effects over the primary motor cortex (M1) in older adults, and (2) identify baseline network properties that may contribute to the interindividual variability. Methods: We tested response to intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), an effective rTMS protocol, over M1 by using both electromyography and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging in older adults. Outcome measures included motor-evoked potential (MEP) elicited by single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation and rsFC before and after an iTBS session. Results: iTBS significantly increased MEP amplitudes and rsFC between the stimulation site, sensorimotor cortex, and supplementary motor area (SMA) in older adults. iTBS-induced changes in MEP amplitude were positively correlated with increases in interhemispheric rsFC after iTBS. Furthermore, older adults with lower baseline interhemispheric rsFC between sensorimotor cortex and SMA exhibited stronger MEP response after iTBS. Discussion: Findings of the study suggest that different levels of interhemispheric communication during resting state might contribute to the response heterogeneity to iTBS in older adults. Interhemispheric rsFC may have great potential serving as a useful marker for predicting iTBS responsiveness in older adults. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: 1707654427 Impact statement Factors contributing to interindividual variability of the responsive to repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in older adults remain poorly understood. In this study, we examined the effects of rTMS over the primary motor cortex in older adults, and found that response to rTMS is associated with prestimulation interhemispheric connectivity in the sensorimotor and premotor areas. Findings of the study have great potential to be translated into a connectivity-based strategy for identification of responders for rTMS in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Liu
- Department of Psychology and University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Koeun Lim
- Department of Psychology and University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Mark H. Sundman
- Department of Psychology and University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Chidi Ugonna
- Department of Psychology and University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Viet Ton That
- Department of Psychology and University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Stephen Cowen
- Department of Psychology and University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
- Evelyn F McKnight Brain Institute, Arizona Center on Aging, and BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Ying-hui Chou
- Department of Psychology and University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
- Evelyn F McKnight Brain Institute, Arizona Center on Aging, and BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
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12
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Siddique U, Frazer AK, Avela J, Walker S, Ahtiainen JP, Howatson G, Tallent J, Kidgell DJ. Determining the cortical, spinal and muscular adaptations to strength-training in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Ageing Res Rev 2022; 82:101746. [PMID: 36223874 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
There are observable decreases in muscle strength as a result of ageing that occur from the age of 40, which are thought to occur as a result of changes within the neuromuscular system. Strength-training in older adults is a suitable intervention that may counteract the age-related loss in force production. The neuromuscular adaptations (i.e., cortical, spinal and muscular) to strength-training in older adults are largely equivocal and a systematic review with meta-analysis will serve to clarify the present circumstances regarding the benefits of strength-training in older adults. 20 studies entered the meta-analysis and were analysed using a random-effects model. A best evidence synthesis that included 36 studies was performed for variables that had insufficient data for meta-analysis. One study entered both. There was strong evidence that strength-training increases maximal force production, rate of force development and muscle activation in older adults. There was limited evidence for strength-training to improve voluntary-activation, the volitional-wave and spinal excitability, but strong evidence for increased muscle mass. The findings suggest that strength-training performed between 2 and 12 weeks increases strength, rate of force development and muscle activation, which likely improves motoneurone excitability by increased motor unit recruitment and improved discharge rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ummatul Siddique
- Monash Exercise Neuroplasticity Research Unit, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ashlyn K Frazer
- Monash Exercise Neuroplasticity Research Unit, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Janne Avela
- NeuroMuscular Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Simon Walker
- NeuroMuscular Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Juha P Ahtiainen
- NeuroMuscular Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Glyn Howatson
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Northumbria University, Newcastle, UK; Water Research Group, North West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Jamie Tallent
- Monash Exercise Neuroplasticity Research Unit, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
| | - Dawson J Kidgell
- Monash Exercise Neuroplasticity Research Unit, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
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13
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The impact of aging on human brain network target controllability. Brain Struct Funct 2022; 227:3001-3015. [DOI: 10.1007/s00429-022-02584-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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14
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Hehl M, Swinnen SP, Van Malderen S, Cuypers K. No evidence for a difference in lateralization and distinctiveness level of transcranial magnetic stimulation-derived cortical motor representations over the adult lifespan. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:971858. [PMID: 36313026 PMCID: PMC9608504 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.971858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the presence and patterns of age-related differences in TMS-based measures of lateralization and distinctiveness of the cortical motor representations of two different hand muscles. In a sample of seventy-three right-handed healthy participants over the adult lifespan, the first dorsal interosseus (FDI) and abductor digiti minimi (ADM) cortical motor representations of both hemispheres were acquired using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). In addition, dexterity and maximum force levels were measured. Lateralization quotients were calculated for homolog behavioral and TMS measures, whereas the distinctiveness between the FDI and ADM representation within one hemisphere was quantified by the center of gravity (CoG) distance and cosine similarity. The presence and patterns of age-related changes were examined using linear, polynomial, and piecewise linear regression. No age-related differences could be identified for the lateralization quotient of behavior or cortical motor representations of both intrinsic hand muscles. Furthermore, no evidence for a change in the distinctiveness of the FDI and ADM representation with advancing age was found. In conclusion this work showed that lateralization and distinctiveness of cortical motor representations, as determined by means of TMS-based measures, remain stable over the adult lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melina Hehl
- Movement Control & Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium
- Neuroplasticity and Movement Control Research Group, Rehabilitation Research Institute (REVAL), Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Stephan P. Swinnen
- Movement Control & Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Shanti Van Malderen
- Movement Control & Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium
- Neuroplasticity and Movement Control Research Group, Rehabilitation Research Institute (REVAL), Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Koen Cuypers
- Movement Control & Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium
- Neuroplasticity and Movement Control Research Group, Rehabilitation Research Institute (REVAL), Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Koen Cuypers,
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15
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Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Arabic Version of the Mini-BESTest among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Saudi Arabia. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10101903. [PMID: 36292350 PMCID: PMC9601546 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10101903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Backgrounds: The Mini-BESTest is a clinical assessment of balance impairment; however, the translation and psychometric properties in the Arabic-speaking population have not yet been investigated. The purpose of this study was to translate into Arabic and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Mini-BESTest in Saudi community-dwelling older adults. Methods: This is a cross-sectional transcultural adaptation and validation study. A total of 144 community-dwelling older adults were enrolled (mean age = 66.2 ± 6.2 years). The translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Mini-BESTest from English to Arabic was performed using standardized guidelines. Test−retest reliability was examined using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with one week between test and retest. The internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. Construct validity of the Mini-BESTest was assessed using balance such as Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I). Results: The Arabic version of the Mini-BESTest showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.93). The scale shows excellent test−retest reliability (ICC = 0.99, 95% CI, 0.98−0.99) and excellent inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.93, 95% CI, 0.70−0.97), which is indicative of the measure’s stability and repeatability. Mini-BESTest total scores showed an excellent inter-rater agreement. There was a significant correlation between total score of the Mini-BESTest and BBS (r = 0.72; p < 0.001). Mini-BESTest had a moderate association with FES-I. Conclusion: The Arabic version of the Mini-BESTest is a reliable and valid test for assessing balance in older adults. More research is needed to confirm the test’s reliability and validity in a specific population, such as those with neurological problems.
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16
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Lin SSH, McDonough IM. Intra-individual cognitive variability in neuropsychological assessment: a sign of neural network dysfunction. NEUROPSYCHOLOGY, DEVELOPMENT, AND COGNITION. SECTION B, AGING, NEUROPSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITION 2022; 29:375-399. [PMID: 34963423 DOI: 10.1080/13825585.2021.2021134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Intra-Individual Cognitive Variability (IICV) predicts progression in neurocognitive disorders . Given important clinical applications, we investigated the association between IICV and multiple brain metrics across 17 networks to better understand the brain mechanisms underlying this performance measure. Sixty-three middle-aged and older adults without dementia underwent a neuropsychological battery, resting-state fMRI, and structural MRI scans. In a linear mixed effect model, higher IICV was associated with lower functional connectivity in control C network relative to medial occipital network (the reference). A multivariate partial least squares analysis revealed that lower mean and higher variability were both associated with lower connectivity in sensorimotor and default mode networks, while higher mean and higher variability were associated with lower volume in default mode and limbic networks. This study suggests that IICV signals widespread network dysfunction across multiple brain networks. These brain abnormalities offer new insights into mechanisms of early cognitive dysfunction. Clinical implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayne S-H Lin
- Department of Psychology, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - Ian M McDonough
- Department of Psychology, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
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17
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Woldeamanuel GG, Frazer AK, Lee A, Avela J, Tallent J, Ahtiainen JP, Pearce AJ, Kidgell DJ. Determining the Corticospinal Responses and Cross-Transfer of Ballistic Motor Performance in Young and Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Mot Behav 2022; 54:763-786. [PMID: 35437124 DOI: 10.1080/00222895.2022.2061409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Ballistic motor training induces plasticity changes and imparts a cross-transfer effect. However, whether there are age-related differences in these changes remain unclear. Thus, the purpose of this study was to perform a meta-analysis to determine the corticospinal responses and cross-transfer of motor performance following ballistic motor training in young and older adults. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. A best evidence synthesis was performed for variables that had insufficient data for meta-analysis. There was strong evidence to suggest that young participants exhibited greater cross-transfer of ballistic motor performance than their older counterparts. This meta-analysis showed no significant age-related differences in motor-evoked potentials (MEPs), short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) and surface electromyography (sEMG) for both hands following ballistic motor training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gashaw Garedew Woldeamanuel
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ashlyn K Frazer
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Annemarie Lee
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Janne Avela
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, NeuroMuscular Research Center, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Jamie Tallent
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Faculty of Sport, Health and Applied Sciences, St Mary's University, Twickenham, UK
| | - Juha P Ahtiainen
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, NeuroMuscular Research Center, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Alan J Pearce
- College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Dawson J Kidgell
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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18
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Network-specific differences in transient brain activity at rest are associated with age-related reductions in motor performance. Neuroimage 2022; 252:119025. [PMID: 35202812 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2022.119025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple functional changes occur in the brain with increasing age. Among those, older adults typically display more restricted fluctuations of brain activity, both during resting-state and task execution. These altered dynamic patterns have been linked to reduced task performance across multiple behavioral domains. Windowed functional connectivity, which is typically employed in the study of connectivity dynamics, however, might not be able to properly characterize moment-to-moment variations of individual networks. In the present study, we used innovation-driven co-activation patterns (ICAP) to overcome this limitation and investigate the length (duration) and frequency (innovation) in which various brain networks emerged across the adult lifespan (N= 92) during a resting-state period. We identified a link between increasing age and a tendency to engage brain areas with distinct functional associations simultaneously as a single network. The emergence of isolated and spatially well-defined visual, motor, frontoparietal, and posterior networks decreased with increased age. This reduction in dynamics of specialized networks mediated age-related performance decreases (i.e., increases in interlimb interference) in a bimanual motor task. Altogether, our findings demonstrated that older compared to younger adults tend to activate fewer network configurations, which include multiple functionally distinct brain areas. The reduction in independent emergence of functionally well-defined and task-relevant networks may reflect an expression of brain dedifferentiation and is likely associated with functional modulatory deficits, negatively impacting motor behavior.
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19
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Zapparoli L, Mariano M, Paulesu E. How the motor system copes with aging: a quantitative meta-analysis of the effect of aging on motor function control. Commun Biol 2022; 5:79. [PMID: 35058549 PMCID: PMC8776875 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03027-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Motor cognitive functions and their neurophysiology evolve and degrade along the lifespan in a dramatic fashion. Current models of how the brain adapts to aging remain inspired primarily by studies on memory or language processes. Yet, aging is strongly associated with reduced motor independence and the associated degraded interaction with the environment: accordingly, any neurocognitive model of aging not considering the motor system is, ipso facto, incomplete. Here we present a meta-analysis of forty functional brain-imaging studies to address aging effects on motor control. Our results indicate that motor control is associated with aging-related changes in brain activity, involving not only motoric brain regions but also posterior areas such as the occipito-temporal cortex. Notably, some of these differences depend on the specific nature of the motor task and the level of performance achieved by the participants. These findings support neurocognitive models of aging that make fewer anatomical assumptions while also considering tasks-dependent and performance-dependent manifestations. Besides the theoretical implications, the present data also provide additional information for the motor rehabilitation domain, indicating that motor control is a more complex phenomenon than previously understood, to which separate cognitive operations can contribute and decrease in different ways with aging. Many aspects of neuronal control degrade with ageing, including motor control. Using a meta-analysis of functional MRI images, it is made apparent that the ageing brain relies more on visual strategies than sensory stimuli to maintain motor function.
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20
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Calvert GHM, Carson RG. Neural mechanisms mediating cross education: With additional considerations for the ageing brain. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 132:260-288. [PMID: 34801578 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
CALVERT, G.H.M., and CARSON, R.G. Neural mechanisms mediating cross education: With additional considerations for the ageing brain. NEUROSCI BIOBEHAV REV 21(1) XXX-XXX, 2021. - Cross education (CE) is the process whereby a regimen of unilateral limb training engenders bilateral improvements in motor function. The contralateral gains thus derived may impart therapeutic benefits for patients with unilateral deficits arising from orthopaedic injury or stroke. Despite this prospective therapeutic utility, there is little consensus concerning its mechanistic basis. The precise means through which the neuroanatomical structures and cellular processes that mediate CE may be influenced by age-related neurodegeneration are also almost entirely unknown. Notwithstanding the increased incidence of unilateral impairment in later life, age-related variations in the expression of CE have been examined only infrequently. In this narrative review, we consider several mechanisms which may mediate the expression of CE with specific reference to the ageing CNS. We focus on the adaptive potential of cellular processes that are subserved by a specific set of neuroanatomical pathways including: the corticospinal tract, corticoreticulospinal projections, transcallosal fibres, and thalamocortical radiations. This analysis may inform the development of interventions that exploit the therapeutic utility of CE training in older persons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn H M Calvert
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience and School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Richard G Carson
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience and School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK; School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
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21
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Age-related changes in motor cortex plasticity assessed with non-invasive brain stimulation: an update and new perspectives. Exp Brain Res 2021; 239:2661-2678. [PMID: 34269850 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-021-06163-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
It is commonly accepted that the brains capacity to change, known as plasticity, declines into old age. Recent studies have used a variety of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques to examine this age-related decline in plasticity in the primary motor cortex (M1), but the effects seem inconsistent and difficult to unravel. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on studies that have used different NIBS techniques to assess M1 plasticity with advancing age and offer some new perspective on NIBS strategies to boost plasticity in the ageing brain. We find that early studies show clear differences in M1 plasticity between young and older adults, but many recent studies with motor training show no decline in use-dependent M1 plasticity with age. For NIBS-induced plasticity in M1, some protocols show more convincing differences with advancing age than others. Therefore, our view from the NIBS literature is that it should not be automatically assumed that M1 plasticity declines with age. Instead, the effects of age are likely to depend on how M1 plasticity is measured, and the characteristics of the elderly population tested. We also suggest that NIBS performed concurrently with motor training is likely to be most effective at producing improvements in M1 plasticity and motor skill learning in older adults. Proposed NIBS techniques for future studies include combining multiple NIBS protocols in a co-stimulation approach, or NIBS strategies to modulate intracortical inhibitory mechanisms, in an effort to more effectively boost M1 plasticity and improve motor skill learning in older adults.
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22
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Rao N, Mehta N, Patel P, Parikh PJ. Effects of aging on conditional visuomotor learning for grasping and lifting eccentrically weighted objects. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2021; 131:937-948. [PMID: 34264127 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00932.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Explicit knowledge of object center of mass or CM location fails to guide anticipatory scaling of digit forces necessary for dexterous manipulation. We previously showed that allowing young adults to choose where to grasp the object entailed an ability to use arbitrary color cues about object CM location to gradually minimize object tilt across several trials. This conditional learning was achieved through accurate anticipatory modulation of digit position using the color cues. However, it remains unknown how aging affects the ability to use explicit color cues about object CM location to modulate digit placement for dexterous manipulation. We instructed healthy older and young adults to learn a manipulation task using arbitrary color cues about object CM location. Subjects were required to exert clockwise, counterclockwise, or no torque on the object according to the color cue and lift the object while minimizing its tilt. Older adults produced larger torque error during conditional learning trials, resulting in a slower rate of learning than young adults. Importantly, older adults showed impaired anticipatory modulation of digit position when information of the CM location was available via explicit color cues. The older adults also did not modulate their digit forces to compensate for this impairment. Interestingly, however, anticipatory modulation of digit position was intact in the same individuals when information of object CM location was implicitly conveyed from trial-to-trial. We discuss our findings in relation to age-dependent changes in processes and neural network essential for learning dexterous manipulation using arbitrary color cue about object property.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We studied whether older adults are able to predictively modulate digit position using arbitrary color cues indicating object center of mass location for dexterous manipulation. Older adults showed an impaired ability to modulate digit position using the color cues when compared with young adults. Interestingly, similar impairments were not found when same older individuals learned the task using implicit knowledge. Our findings suggest an age-related impairment specifically in the conditional learning mechanisms for dexterous manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishant Rao
- Center for Neuromotor and Biomechanics Research, Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Neha Mehta
- Center for Neuromotor and Biomechanics Research, Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Pujan Patel
- Center for Neuromotor and Biomechanics Research, Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, Houston, Texas.,The Biomedical Sciences Program, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Pranav J Parikh
- Center for Neuromotor and Biomechanics Research, Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
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23
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Hausman HK, Jackson TB, Goen JRM, Bernard JA. From Synchrony to Asynchrony: Cerebellar-Basal Ganglia Functional Circuits in Young and Older Adults. Cereb Cortex 2021; 30:718-729. [PMID: 31219563 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhz121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) has indicated disruptions in functional connectivity in older adults (OA) relative to young adults (YA). While age differences in cortical networks are well studied, differences in subcortical networks are poorly understood. Both the cerebellum and the basal ganglia are of particular interest given their role in cognitive and motor functions, and work in nonhuman primates has demonstrated direct reciprocal connections between these regions. Here, our goal was twofold. First, we were interested in delineating connectivity patterns between distinct regions of the cerebellum and basal ganglia, known to have topologically distinct connectivity patterns with cortex. Our second goal was to quantify age differences in these cerebellar-striatal circuits. We performed a targeted rs-fMRI analysis of the cerebellum and basal ganglia in 33 YA and 31 OA individuals. In the YA, we found significant connectivity both within and between the cerebellum and basal ganglia, in patterns supporting semi-discrete circuits that may differentially subserve motor and cognitive performance. We found a shift in connectivity, from one of synchrony in YA, to asynchrony in OA, resulting in substantial age differences. Connectivity was also associated with behavior. These findings significantly advance our understanding of cerebellar-basal ganglia interactions in the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna K Hausman
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA
| | - T Bryan Jackson
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA
| | - James R M Goen
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA
| | - Jessica A Bernard
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA.,Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA
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24
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Haitas N, Amiri M, Wilson M, Joanette Y, Steffener J. Age-preserved semantic memory and the CRUNCH effect manifested as differential semantic control networks: An fMRI study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249948. [PMID: 34129605 PMCID: PMC8205163 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Semantic memory representations are overall well-maintained in aging whereas semantic control is thought to be more affected. To explain this phenomenon, this study aims to test the predictions of the Compensation Related Utilization of Neural Circuits Hypothesis (CRUNCH) focusing on task demands in aging as a possible framework. The CRUNCH effect would manifest itself in semantic tasks through a compensatory increase in neural activation in semantic control network regions but only up to a certain threshold of task demands. This study will compare 40 young (20-35 years old) with 40 older participants (60-75 years old) in a triad-based semantic judgment task performed in an fMRI scanner while manipulating levels of task demands (low vs. high) through semantic distance. In line with the CRUNCH predictions, differences in neurofunctional activation and behavioral performance (accuracy and response times) are expected in young vs. old participants in the low- vs. high-demand conditions manifested in semantic control Regions of Interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niobe Haitas
- Laboratory of Communication and Aging, Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mahnoush Amiri
- Laboratory of Communication and Aging, Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Maximiliano Wilson
- Centre de Recherche CERVO – CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale et Département de Réadaptation, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Yves Joanette
- Laboratory of Communication and Aging, Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jason Steffener
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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25
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Fettrow T, Hupfeld K, Tays G, Clark DJ, Reuter-Lorenz PA, Seidler RD. Brain activity during walking in older adults: Implications for compensatory versus dysfunctional accounts. Neurobiol Aging 2021; 105:349-364. [PMID: 34182403 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2021.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A prominent trend in the functional brain imaging literature is that older adults exhibit increased brain activity compared to young adults to perform a given task. This phenomenon has been extensively studied for cognitive tasks, with the field converging on interpretations described in two alternative accounts. One account interprets over-activation in older adults as reflecting neural dysfunction (increased brain activity - indicates poorer performance), whereas another interprets it as neural compensation (increased brain activity - supports better performance). Here we review studies that have recorded brain activity and walking measurements in older adults, and we categorize their findings as reflecting either neural dysfunction or neural compensation. Based on this synthesis, we recommend including multiple task difficulty levels in future work to help differentiate if and when compensation fails as the locomotion task becomes more difficult. Using multiple task difficulty levels with neuroimaging will lead to a more advanced understanding of how age-related changes in locomotor brain activity fit with existing accounts of brain aging and support the development of targeted neural rehabilitation techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Fettrow
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Kathleen Hupfeld
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Grant Tays
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - David J Clark
- Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | - Rachael D Seidler
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Clark LA, Manini TM, Wages NP, Simon JE, Russ DW, Clark BC. Reduced Neural Excitability and Activation Contribute to Clinically Meaningful Weakness in Older Adults. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2021; 76:692-702. [PMID: 32588058 PMCID: PMC8011705 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glaa157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Weakness is a risk factor for physical limitations and death in older adults (OAs). We sought to determine whether OAs with clinically meaningful leg extensor weakness exhibit differences in voluntary inactivation (VIA) and measures of corticospinal excitability when compared to young adults (YAs) and OAs without clinically meaningful weakness. We also sought to estimate the relative contribution of indices of neural excitability and thigh lean mass in explaining the between-subject variability in OAs leg extensor strength. METHODS In 66 OAs (75.1 ± 7.0 years) and 20 YAs (22.0 ± 1.9 years), we quantified leg extensor strength, thigh lean mass, VIA, and motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitude and silent period (SP) duration. OAs were classified into weakness groups based on previously established strength/body weight (BW) cut points (Weak, Modestly Weak, or Not Weak). RESULTS The OAs had 63% less strength/BW when compared to YAs. Weak OAs exhibited higher levels of leg extensor VIA than Not Weak OAs (14.2 ± 7.5% vs 6.1 ± 7.5%). Weak OAs exhibited 24% longer SPs compared to Not Weak OAs, although this difference was insignificant (p = .06). The Weak OAs MEPs were half the amplitude of the Not Weak OAs. Regression analysis indicated that MEP amplitude, SP duration, and thigh lean mass explained ~62% of the variance in strength, with the neural excitability variables explaining ~33% of the variance and thigh lean mass explaining ~29%. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that neurotherapeutic interventions targeting excitability could be a viable approach to increase muscle strength in order to reduce the risk of physical impairments in late life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leatha A Clark
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute (OMNI), Ohio University, Athens
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ohio University, Athens
| | - Todd M Manini
- Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, University of Florida, Gainesville
| | - Nathan P Wages
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute (OMNI), Ohio University, Athens
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ohio University, Athens
| | - Janet E Simon
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute (OMNI), Ohio University, Athens
- School of Applied Health Sciences and Wellness, Ohio University, Athens
| | - David W Russ
- School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa
| | - Brian C Clark
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute (OMNI), Ohio University, Athens
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ohio University, Athens
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27
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Poirier G, Ohayon A, Juranville A, Mourey F, Gaveau J. Deterioration, Compensation and Motor Control Processes in Healthy Aging, Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease. Geriatrics (Basel) 2021; 6:33. [PMID: 33807008 PMCID: PMC8006018 DOI: 10.3390/geriatrics6010033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is associated with modifications of several brain structures and functions. These modifications then manifest as modified behaviors. It has been proposed that some brain function modifications may compensate for some other deteriorated ones, thus maintaining behavioral performance. Through the concept of compensation versus deterioration, this article reviews the literature on motor function in healthy and pathological aging. We first highlight mechanistic studies that used paradigms, allowing us to identify precise compensation mechanisms in healthy aging. Subsequently, we review studies investigating motor function in two often-associated neurological conditions, i.e., mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. We point out the need to expand the knowledge gained from descriptive studies with studies targeting specific motor control processes. Teasing apart deteriorated versus compensating processes represents precious knowledge that could significantly improve the prevention and rehabilitation of age-related loss of mobility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Poirier
- INSERM U1093-CAPS, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, UFR des Sciences du Sport, F-21000 Dijon, France; (A.O.); (A.J.); (F.M.); (J.G.)
- Espace d’Étude du Mouvement—Étienne Jules MAREY, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, UFR des Sciences du Sport, F-21000 Dijon, France
| | - Alice Ohayon
- INSERM U1093-CAPS, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, UFR des Sciences du Sport, F-21000 Dijon, France; (A.O.); (A.J.); (F.M.); (J.G.)
| | - Adrien Juranville
- INSERM U1093-CAPS, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, UFR des Sciences du Sport, F-21000 Dijon, France; (A.O.); (A.J.); (F.M.); (J.G.)
| | - France Mourey
- INSERM U1093-CAPS, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, UFR des Sciences du Sport, F-21000 Dijon, France; (A.O.); (A.J.); (F.M.); (J.G.)
- Espace d’Étude du Mouvement—Étienne Jules MAREY, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, UFR des Sciences du Sport, F-21000 Dijon, France
| | - Jeremie Gaveau
- INSERM U1093-CAPS, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, UFR des Sciences du Sport, F-21000 Dijon, France; (A.O.); (A.J.); (F.M.); (J.G.)
- Espace d’Étude du Mouvement—Étienne Jules MAREY, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, UFR des Sciences du Sport, F-21000 Dijon, France
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28
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Maes C, Cuypers K, Heise KF, Edden RAE, Gooijers J, Swinnen SP. GABA levels are differentially associated with bimanual motor performance in older as compared to young adults. Neuroimage 2021; 231:117871. [PMID: 33607278 PMCID: PMC8275071 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2021.117871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Although gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) is of particular importance for efficient motor functioning, very little is known about the relationship between regional GABA levels and motor performance. Some studies suggest this relation to be subject to age-related differences even though literature is scarce. To clarify this matter, we employed a comprehensive approach and investigated GABA levels within young and older adults across multiple motor tasks as well as multiple brain regions. Specifically, 30 young and 30 older adults completed a task battery of three different bimanual tasks. Furthermore, GABA levels were obtained within bilateral primary sensorimotor cortex (SM1), bilateral dorsal premotor cortex, the supplementary motor area and bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) using magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Results indicated that older adults, as compared to their younger counterparts, performed worse on all bimanual tasks and exhibited lower GABA levels in bilateral SM1 only. Moreover, GABA levels across the motor network and DLPFC were differentially associated with performance in young as opposed to older adults on a manual dexterity and bimanual coordination task but not a finger tapping task. Specifically, whereas higher GABA levels related to better manual dexterity within older adults, higher GABA levels predicted poorer bimanual coordination performance in young adults. By determining a task-specific and age-dependent association between GABA levels across the cortical motor network and performance on distinct bimanual tasks, the current study advances insights in the role of GABA for motor performance in the context of aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celine Maes
- Movement Control & Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Tervuursevest 101 box, Leuven 1501 3001, Belgium.
| | - Koen Cuypers
- Movement Control & Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Tervuursevest 101 box, Leuven 1501 3001, Belgium; REVAL Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
| | - Kirstin-Friederike Heise
- Movement Control & Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Tervuursevest 101 box, Leuven 1501 3001, Belgium.
| | - Richard A E Edden
- Russel H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Jolien Gooijers
- Movement Control & Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Tervuursevest 101 box, Leuven 1501 3001, Belgium.
| | - Stephan P Swinnen
- Movement Control & Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Tervuursevest 101 box, Leuven 1501 3001, Belgium.
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29
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Zschorlich VR, Behrendt F, de Lussanet MHE. Multimodal Sensorimotor Integration of Visual and Kinaesthetic Afferents Modulates Motor Circuits in Humans. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11020187. [PMID: 33546384 PMCID: PMC7913510 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11020187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Optimal motor control requires the effective integration of multi-modal information. Visual information of movement performed by others even enhances potentials in the upper motor neurons through the mirror-neuron system. On the other hand, it is known that motor control is intimately associated with afferent proprioceptive information. Kinaesthetic information is also generated by passive, external-driven movements. In the context of sensory integration, it is an important question how such passive kinaesthetic information and visually perceived movements are integrated. We studied the effects of visual and kinaesthetic information in combination, as well as isolated, on sensorimotor integration, compared to a control condition. For this, we measured the change in the excitability of the motor cortex (M1) using low-intensity Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). We hypothesised that both visual motoneurons and kinaesthetic motoneurons enhance the excitability of motor responses. We found that passive wrist movements increase the motor excitability, suggesting that kinaesthetic motoneurons do exist. The kinaesthetic influence on the motor threshold was even stronger than the visual information. Moreover, the simultaneous visual and passive kinaesthetic information increased the cortical excitability more than each of them independently. Thus, for the first time, we found evidence for the integration of passive kinaesthetic- and visual-sensory stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volker R. Zschorlich
- Department of Movement Science, University of Rostock, Ulmenstraße 69, 18057 Rostock, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Frank Behrendt
- Reha Rheinfelden, Research Department, Salinenstrasse 98, CH-4310 Rheinfelden, Switzerland;
| | - Marc H. E. de Lussanet
- Department of Movement Science, and OCC Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Münster, Horstmarer Landweg 62b, 48149 Münster, Germany;
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30
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Hupfeld KE, McGregor HR, Reuter-Lorenz PA, Seidler RD. Microgravity effects on the human brain and behavior: Dysfunction and adaptive plasticity. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 122:176-189. [PMID: 33454290 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Emerging plans for travel to Mars and other deep space destinations make it critical for us to understand how spaceflight affects the human brain and behavior. Research over the past decade has demonstrated two co-occurring patterns of spaceflight effects on the brain and behavior: dysfunction and adaptive plasticity. Evidence indicates the spaceflight environment induces adverse effects on the brain, including intracranial fluid shifts, gray matter changes, and white matter declines. Past work also suggests that the spaceflight environment induces adaptive neural effects such as sensory reweighting and neural compensation. Here, we introduce a new conceptual framework to synthesize spaceflight effects on the brain, Spaceflight Perturbation Adaptation Coupled with Dysfunction (SPACeD). We review the literature implicating neurobehavioral dysfunction and adaptation in response to spaceflight and microgravity analogues, and we consider pre-, during-, and post-flight factors that may interact with these processes. We draw several instructive parallels with the aging literature which also suggests co-occurring neurobehavioral dysfunction and adaptive processes. We close with recommendations for future spaceflight research, including: 1) increased efforts to distinguish between dysfunctional versus adaptive effects by testing brain-behavioral correlations, and 2) greater focus on tracking recovery time courses.
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Affiliation(s)
- K E Hupfeld
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - H R McGregor
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - P A Reuter-Lorenz
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - R D Seidler
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States; Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.
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31
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Malcolm BR, Foxe JJ, Joshi S, Verghese J, Mahoney JR, Molholm S, De Sanctis P. Aging-related changes in cortical mechanisms supporting postural control during base of support and optic flow manipulations. Eur J Neurosci 2020; 54:8139-8157. [PMID: 33047390 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral findings suggest that aging alters the involvement of cortical sensorimotor mechanisms in postural control. However, corresponding accounts of the underlying neural mechanisms remain sparse, especially the extent to which these mechanisms are affected during more demanding tasks. Here, we set out to elucidate cortical correlates of altered postural stability in younger and older adults. 3D body motion tracking and high-density electroencephalography (EEG) were measured while 14 young adults (mean age = 24 years, 43% women) and 14 older adults (mean age = 77 years, 50% women) performed a continuous balance task under four different conditions. Manipulations were applied to the base of support (either regular or tandem (heel-to-toe) stance) and visual input (either static visual field or dynamic optic flow). Standing in tandem, the more challenging position, resulted in increased sway for both age groups, but for the older adults, only this effect was exacerbated when combined with optic flow compared to the static visual display. These changes in stability were accompanied by neuro-oscillatory modulations localized to midfrontal and parietal regions. A cluster of electro-cortical sources localized to the supplementary motor area showed a large increase in theta spectral power (4-7 Hz) during tandem stance, and this modulation was much more pronounced for the younger group. Additionally, the older group displayed widespread mu (8-12 Hz) and beta (13-30 Hz) suppression as balance tasks placed more demands on postural control, especially during tandem stance. These findings may have substantial utility in identifying early cortical correlates of balance impairments in otherwise healthy older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda R Malcolm
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Children's Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center (CERC), Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - John J Foxe
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Children's Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center (CERC), Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.,The Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Rose F. Kennedy Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.,The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, The Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Sonja Joshi
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Children's Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center (CERC), Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Joe Verghese
- The Saul R. Korey, Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Jeannette R Mahoney
- The Saul R. Korey, Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Sophie Molholm
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Children's Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center (CERC), Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.,The Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Rose F. Kennedy Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Pierfilippo De Sanctis
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Children's Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center (CERC), Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.,The Saul R. Korey, Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
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32
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McDonough IM, Festini SB, Wood MM. Risk for Alzheimer's disease: A review of long-term episodic memory encoding and retrieval fMRI studies. Ageing Res Rev 2020; 62:101133. [PMID: 32717407 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2020.101133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Many risk factors have been identified that predict future progression to Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, clear links have yet to be made between these risk factors and how they affect brain functioning in early stages of AD. We conducted a narrative review and a quantitative analysis to better understand the relationship between nine categories of AD risk (i.e., brain pathology, genetics/family history, vascular health, head trauma, cognitive decline, engagement in daily life, late-life depression, sex/gender, and ethnoracial group) and task-evoked fMRI activity during episodic memory in cognitively-normal older adults. Our narrative review revealed widespread regional alterations of both greater and lower brain activity with AD risk. Nevertheless, our quantitative analysis revealed that a subset of studies converged on two patterns: AD risk was associated with (1) greater brain activity in frontal and parietal regions, but (2) reduced brain activity in hippocampal and occipital regions. The brain regions affected depended on the assessed memory stage (encoding or retrieval). Although the results clearly indicate that AD risks impact brain activity, we caution against using fMRI as a diagnostic tool for AD at the current time because the above consistencies were present among much variability, even among the same risk factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian M McDonough
- Department of Psychology, The University of Alabama, BOX 870348, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA.
| | - Sara B Festini
- Department of Psychology, University of Tampa, 401 W Kennedy Blvd. Tampa, FL 33606, USA
| | - Meagan M Wood
- Department of Psychology, Valdosta State University, 1500 N. Patterson Street, Valdosta, GA 31698, USA
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33
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James EG, Hausdorff JM, Leveille SG, Travison T, Bean JF. Ankle control differentiation as a mechanism for mobility limitations. Neurosci Lett 2020; 732:135085. [PMID: 32461108 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.135085] [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: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Independent control of the right and left ankles (differentiation) may be a motor control mechanism linking impaired coordination and mobility limitations. We tested the hypotheses that motor control differentiation of the ankles, as measured using Cross-Sample Entropy, during antiphase coordination at two movement frequencies, is associated with impaired coordination (high ankle coordination variability) and mobility limitations (Short Physical Performance Battery score ≤9). We conducted a cross-sectional study of community-dwelling older adults (N = 133) aged 80.04 (±4.67) years. In linear regression modeling, low ankle Cross-Sample Entropy (low motor control differentiation) was associated with poor (i.e., high) coordination variability at the slower (P = 0.026), but not the faster (P = 0.447), ankle movement frequency. In logistic regression modeling, low Cross-Sample Entropy at the slower (OR = 1.67; 95 % CI: 1.07-2.59) and faster (OR = 2.38; 95 % CI: 1.43-3.94) ankle movement frequencies were associated with increased odds for mobility limitations. Our findings support the hypothesis that ankle differentiation may be a motor control mechanism that links impaired coordination with mobility limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric G James
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Jeffrey M Hausdorff
- Center for the Study of Movement, Cognition and Mobility, Neurological Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Physical Therapy, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Suzanne G Leveille
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Thomas Travison
- Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew Senior Life, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan F Bean
- New England Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Boston Veterans Administration Health System, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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34
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Cassady K, Gagnon H, Freiburger E, Lalwani P, Simmonite M, Park DC, Peltier SJ, Taylor SF, Weissman DH, Seidler RD, Polk TA. Network segregation varies with neural distinctiveness in sensorimotor cortex. Neuroimage 2020; 212:116663. [PMID: 32109601 PMCID: PMC7723993 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.116663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Normal aging is associated with declines in sensorimotor function. Previous studies have linked age-related behavioral declines to decreases in neural differentiation (i.e., dedifferentiation), including decreases in the distinctiveness of neural activation patterns and in the segregation of large-scale neural networks at rest. However, no studies to date have explored the relationship between these two neural measures and whether they explain the same aspects of behavior. To investigate these issues, we collected a battery of sensorimotor behavioral measures in older and younger adults and estimated (a) the distinctiveness of neural representations in sensorimotor cortex and (b) sensorimotor network segregation in the same participants. Consistent with prior findings, sensorimotor representations were less distinct and sensorimotor resting state networks were less segregated in older compared to younger adults. We also found that participants with the most distinct sensorimotor representations exhibited the most segregated sensorimotor networks. However, only sensorimotor network segregation was associated with individual differences in sensorimotor performance, particularly in older adults. These novel findings link network segregation to neural distinctiveness, but also suggest that network segregation may play a larger role in maintaining sensorimotor performance with age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin Cassady
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Holly Gagnon
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Erin Freiburger
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Poortata Lalwani
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Molly Simmonite
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Denise C Park
- Research of the Center for Vital Longevity, University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Scott J Peltier
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Stephan F Taylor
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Daniel H Weissman
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rachael D Seidler
- Department of Applied Physiology & Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Thad A Polk
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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35
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The Effect of Mental Fatigue on Neuromuscular Function is Similar in Young and Older Women. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10040191. [PMID: 32218178 PMCID: PMC7226096 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10040191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a mentally fatiguing task on neuromuscular function in young and older women. Neuromuscular measures were obtained prior to and following 20 min of a mentally fatiguing task. Maximal force output significantly decreased after the mental fatigue task (p = 0.02) and this was not different between age groups (p = 0.32). Increases in cortical silent period duration approached significance in both young and older groups (p = 0.06), suggesting that mental fatigue may cause increased cortical inhibition. Measures of peripheral neuromuscular function (contractile properties of the muscle, M-wave) did not change (p ≥ 0.09), suggesting that changes in force production with mental fatigue are more likely due to supraspinal than peripheral mechanisms. These findings provide further evidence of an interaction between mental fatigue and physical function.
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36
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Hehl M, Swinnen SP, Cuypers K. Alterations of hand sensorimotor function and cortical motor representations over the adult lifespan. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:4617-4640. [PMID: 32160591 PMCID: PMC7093194 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Using a cross sectional design, we aimed to identify the effect of aging on sensorimotor function and cortical motor representations of two intrinsic hand muscles, as well as the course and timing of those changes. Furthermore, the link between cortical motor representations, sensorimotor function, and intracortical inhibition and facilitation was investigated. Seventy-seven participants over the full adult lifespan were enrolled. For the first dorsal interosseus (FDI) and abductor digiti minimi (ADM) muscle, cortical motor representations, GABAA-mediated short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI), and glutamate-mediated intracortical facilitation (ICF) were assessed using transcranial magnetic stimulation over the dominant primary motor cortex. Additionally, participants' dexterity and force were measured. Linear, polynomial, and piecewise linear regression analyses were conducted to identify the course and timing of age-related differences. Our results demonstrated variation in sensorimotor function over the lifespan, with a marked decline starting around the mid-thirties. Furthermore, an age-related reduction in cortical motor representation volume and maximal MEP of the FDI, but not for ADM, was observed, occurring mainly until the mid-forties. Area of the cortical motor representation did not change with advancing age. Furthermore, cortical motor representations, sensorimotor function, and measures of intracortical inhibition and facilitation were not interrelated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melina Hehl
- Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Heverlee, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stephan P. Swinnen
- Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Heverlee, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Koen Cuypers
- Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Heverlee, Leuven, Belgium
- REVAL Research Institute, Hasselt University, Agoralaan, Diepenbeek, Belgium
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37
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Cassady K, Ruitenberg MFL, Reuter-Lorenz PA, Tommerdahl M, Seidler RD. Neural Dedifferentiation across the Lifespan in the Motor and Somatosensory Systems. Cereb Cortex 2020; 30:3704-3716. [PMID: 32043110 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhz336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related declines in sensorimotor performance have been linked to dedifferentiation of neural representations (i.e., more widespread activity during task performance in older versus younger adults). However, it remains unclear whether changes in neural representations across the adult lifespan are related between the motor and somatosensory systems, and whether alterations in these representations are associated with age declines in motor and somatosensory performance. To investigate these issues, we collected functional magnetic resonance imaging and behavioral data while participants aged 19-76 years performed a visuomotor tapping task or received vibrotactile stimulation. Despite one finding indicative of compensatory mechanisms with older age, we generally observed that 1) older age was associated with greater activity and stronger positive connectivity within sensorimotor and LOC regions during both visuomotor and vibrotactile tasks; 2) increased activation and stronger positive connectivity were associated with worse performance; and 3) age differences in connectivity in the motor system correlated with those in the somatosensory system. Notwithstanding the difficulty of disentangling the relationships between age, brain, and behavioral measures, these results provide novel evidence for neural dedifferentiation across the adult lifespan in both motor and somatosensory systems and suggest that dedifferentiation in these two systems is related.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin Cassady
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, USA
| | - Marit F L Ruitenberg
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium.,Department of Health, Medical and Neuropsychology, Leiden University, Leiden 2300, The Netherlands
| | | | - Mark Tommerdahl
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA and
| | - Rachael D Seidler
- Department of Applied Physiology & Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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38
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Qin S, Basak C. Age-related differences in brain activation during working memory updating: An fMRI study. Neuropsychologia 2020; 138:107335. [PMID: 31923524 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2020.107335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Recent neuroimaging studies have reported an age-related reduction in brain activations in response to working memory load in task-sensitive brain regions. The current fMRI study investigated the age-related differences in brain activations of the updating mechanism in working memory, which was not investigated in previous studies. With a hybrid block/event-related design, this study was able to examine changes in BOLD signals (i.e., neuromodulation) to increase in updating, a type of cognitive control that is understudied. Older adults were separated into young-old and old-old cohorts to examine whether, within healthy aging, the neuromodulation to cognitive control decreases with age. Our results show that younger adults activate left precentral gyrus and right cerebellum more during trials that require updating than trials that do not require updating. Although older adults showed reduced neuromodulation in these two regions, the old-old cohort failed to show any significant neuromodulation in response to updating. Moreover, older adults not only showed reduced suppressions of the default mode network (DMN) regions during the task, they also overactivated some of the DMN regions, esp. the old-old, when compared to the younger adults. Older adults also showed overactivations in a region (right precentral gyrus) that is contralateral to a task-sensitive region that was activated in the younger adults during updating. Brain-behavior correlations suggest that age-related overactivations of these DMN regions and the right precentral gyrus are maladaptive to their performance. Our results suggest that not only the neuromodulation in response to updating demands is diminished in healthy aging, older adults also show maladaptive increases in activations of task-irrelevant regions and reduced hemispheric specificity during updating. These effects are most pronounced in old-old cohort, compared to young-old, suggesting that age-related declines in neuromodulation during cognitive control is more pronounced in older cohorts within healthy aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Qin
- University of Texas at Dallas, TX, 75080, USA
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39
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Hill C, Van Gemmert AWA, Fang Q, Hou L, Wang J, Pan Z. Asymmetry in the aging brain: A narrative review of cortical activation patterns and implications for motor function. Laterality 2019; 25:413-429. [PMID: 31875769 DOI: 10.1080/1357650x.2019.1707219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Age-related changes have been identified in neural and motor level. A prominent change is reduced asymmetry in cortical activation as well as motor performance. Cortical activation models have been established based on cognitive research utilizing neuroimaging techniques to explain age-related effects on neural recruitment and reduced brain asymmetry. Recently, researchers in motor behaviour attempted to apply the models to explain motor pattern changes in aging and proposed compensation as the mechanism of the reduced motor asymmetry in older adults. Age-related alterations in movement patterns and brain activations seem to be correlated. However, based on the literature search result, no direct evidence substantiates the connection between reduced brain asymmetry and motor asymmetry in older adults. Therefore, a theoretical gap was identified. The theoretical gap exists because either neuroimaging studies have not considered motor asymmetry or motor asymmetry studies have not integrated neuroimaging techniques into study designs. Answering the research question can be valuable to both research and clinical practice. With the mechanisms of brain activation patterns during motor tasks in an aging population being better understood, protocols developed upon the new understandings can be applied to current motor interventions and better maintain the longevity of motor function of older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Hill
- Department of Kinesiology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA.,Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA
| | | | - Qun Fang
- Department of Kinesiology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - Lijuan Hou
- College of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - Zhujun Pan
- Department of Kinesiology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
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40
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Systematic Balance Exercises Influence Cortical Activation and Serum BDNF Levels in Older Adults. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8111910. [PMID: 31703409 PMCID: PMC6912622 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8111910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We sought to investigate whether systematic balance training modulates brain area activity responsible for postural control and influence brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA protein expression. Seventy-four older adults were randomly divided into three groups (mean age 65.34 ± 3.79 years, 30 females): Classic balance exercises (CBT), virtual reality balance exercises (VBT), and control (CON). Neuroimaging studies were performed at inclusion and after completion of the training or 12 weeks later (CON). Blood samples were obtained to measure BDNF expression. The study revealed significant interaction of sessions and groups: In the motor imagery (MI) condition for supplementary motor area (SMA) activity (Fat peak = 5.25, p < 0.05); in the action observation (AO) condition for left and right supramarginal gyrus/posterior insula (left: Fat peak = 6.48, p < 0.05; right: Fat peak = 6.92, p < 0.05); in the action observation together with motor imagery (AOMI) condition for the middle occipital gyrus (laterally)/area V5 (left: Fat peak = 6.26, p < 0.05; right: Fat peak = 8.37, p < 0.05), and in the cerebellum–inferior semilunar lobule/tonsil (Fat peak = 5.47, p < 0.05). After the training serum BDNF level has increased in CBT (p < 0.001) and in CBT compared to CON (p < 0.05). Systematic balance training may reverse the age-related cortical over-activations and appear to be a factor mediating neuroplasticity in older adults.
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41
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Tang X, Huang P, Li Y, Lan J, Yang Z, Xu M, Yi W, Lu L, Wang L, Xu N. Age-Related Changes in the Plasticity of Neural Networks Assessed by Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation With Electromyography: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:469. [PMID: 31708744 PMCID: PMC6822534 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: The excitability of cerebral cortical cells, neural pathway, and neural networks, as well as their plasticity, are key to our exploration of age-related changes in brain structure and function. The combination of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with electromyography (EMG) can be applied to the primary motor cortex; it activates the underlying neural group and passes through the corticospinal pathway, which can be quantified using EMG. This meta-analysis aimed to analyze changes in cortical excitability and plasticity in healthy elderly individuals vs. young individuals through TMS-EMG. Methods: The Cochrane Library, Medline, and EMBASE databases were searched to identify eligible trials published from database inception to June 3, 2019. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and improved Jadad scale were used to assess the methodological quality. A meta-analysis of the comparative effects was conducted using the Review Manager 5.3 software and Stata 14.0 software. Results: The pooled results revealed that the resting motor threshold values in the elderly group were markedly higher than those reported in the young group (mean difference [MD]: −2.35; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −3.69 to −1.02]; p < (0.00001). The motor evoked potential amplitude significantly reduced in the elderly group vs. the young group (MD: 0.18; 95% CI: 0.09–0.27; p < 0.0001). Moreover, there was significantly longer motor evoked potential latency in the elderly group (MD: −1.07; 95% CI: −1.77 to −0.37]; p =(0.003). There was no significant difference observed in the active motor threshold between the elderly and young groups (MD: −1.52; 95% CI: −3.47 to −0.42]; p =(0.13). Meanwhile, only two studies reported the absence of adverse events. Conclusion: We found that the excitability of the cerebral cortex declined in elderly individuals vs. young individuals. The findings of the present analysis should be considered with caution owing to the methodological limitations in the included trials. Additional high-quality studies are warranted to validate our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorong Tang
- Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peidong Huang
- Acupuncture and Massage Rehabilitation Institute, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Yitong Li
- Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juanchao Lan
- Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhonghua Yang
- Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mindong Xu
- Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Yi
- Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liming Lu
- Clinical Research Center, South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Clinical Research Center, South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Nenggui Xu
- Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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42
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Tscherpel C, Hensel L, Lemberg K, Freytag J, Michely J, Volz LJ, Fink GR, Grefkes C. Age affects the contribution of ipsilateral brain regions to movement kinematics. Hum Brain Mapp 2019; 41:640-655. [PMID: 31617272 PMCID: PMC7268044 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.24829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Healthy aging is accompanied by changes in brain activation patterns in the motor system. In older subjects, unilateral hand movements typically rely on increased recruitment of ipsilateral frontoparietal areas. While the two central concepts of aging‐related brain activity changes, “Hemispheric Asymmetry Reduction in Older Adults” (HAROLD), and “Posterior to Anterior Shift in Aging” (PASA), have initially been suggested in the context of cognitive tasks and were attributed to compensation, current knowledge regarding the functional significance of increased motor system activity remains scarce. We, therefore, used online interference transcranial magnetic stimulation in young and older subjects to investigate the role of key regions of the ipsilateral frontoparietal cortex, that is, (a) primary motor cortex (M1), (b) dorsal premotor cortex (dPMC), and (c) anterior intraparietal sulcus (IPS) in the control of hand movements of different motor demands. Our data suggest a change of the functional roles of ipsilateral brain areas in healthy age with a reduced relevance of ipsilateral M1 and a shift of importance toward dPMC for repetitive high‐frequency movements. These results support the notion that mechanisms conceptualized in the models of “PASA” and “HAROLD” also apply to the motor system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Tscherpel
- Medical Faculty, University of Cologne and Department of Neurology, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Lukas Hensel
- Medical Faculty, University of Cologne and Department of Neurology, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Katharina Lemberg
- Medical Faculty, University of Cologne and Department of Neurology, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jana Freytag
- Medical Faculty, University of Cologne and Department of Neurology, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jochen Michely
- Medical Faculty, University of Cologne and Department of Neurology, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, University College London, London, UK
| | - Lukas J Volz
- Medical Faculty, University of Cologne and Department of Neurology, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Gereon R Fink
- Medical Faculty, University of Cologne and Department of Neurology, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Christian Grefkes
- Medical Faculty, University of Cologne and Department of Neurology, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
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43
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Ruitenberg MFL, Cassady KE, Reuter-Lorenz PA, Tommerdahl M, Seidler RD. Age-Related Reductions in Tactile and Motor Inhibitory Function Start Early but Are Independent. Front Aging Neurosci 2019; 11:193. [PMID: 31417396 PMCID: PMC6682653 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2019.00193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is associated with declines in motor and somatosensory function. Some of these motor declines have been linked to age-related reductions in inhibitory function. Here we examined whether tactile surround inhibition also changes with age and whether these changes are associated with those in the motor domain. We tested a group of 56 participants spanning a wide age range (18-76 years old), allowing us to examine when age differences emerge across the lifespan. Participants performed tactile and motor tasks that have previously been linked to inter- and intra-hemispheric inhibition in the somatosensory and motor systems. The results showed that aging is associated with reductions in inhibitory function in both the tactile and motor systems starting around 40 years of age; however, age effects in the two systems were not correlated. The independent effects of age on tactile and motor inhibitory function suggest that distinct mechanisms may underlie age-related reductions in inhibition in the somatosensory and motor systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marit F L Ruitenberg
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Health, Medical and Neuropsychology, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Kaitlin E Cassady
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | | | - Mark Tommerdahl
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Rachael D Seidler
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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44
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Embury CM, Heinrichs-Graham E, Lord GH, Drincic AT, Desouza CV, Wilson TW. Altered motor dynamics in type 1 diabetes modulate behavioral performance. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2019; 24:101977. [PMID: 31466021 PMCID: PMC6718822 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2019.101977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) has been linked to alterations in both brain structure and function. However, the neural basis of the most commonly reported neuropsychological deficit in T1D, psychomotor speed, remains severely understudied. To begin to address this, the current study focuses on the neural dynamics underlying motor control using magnetoencephalographic (MEG) imaging. Briefly, 40 young adults with T1D who were clear of common comorbidities (e.g., vascular disease, retinopathy, etc.) and a demographically-matched group of 40 controls without T1D completed an arrow-based flanker movement task during MEG. The resulting signals were examined in the time-frequency domain and imaged using a beamforming approach, and then voxel time series were extracted from peak responses to evaluate the dynamics. The resulting time series were statistically examined for group and conditional effects using a rigorous permutation testing approach. Our primary hypothesis was that participants with T1D would have altered beta and gamma oscillatory dynamics within the primary motor cortex during movement, and that these alterations would reflect compensatory processing to maintain adequate performance. Our results indicated that the group with T1D had a significantly stronger post-movement beta rebound (PMBR) contralateral to movement compared to controls, and a smaller neural flanker effect (i.e., difference in neural activity between conditions). In addition, a significant group-by-condition interaction was observed in the ipsilateral beta event-related desynchronization (bERD) and the ipsilateral PMBR. We also examined the relationship between oscillatory motor response amplitude and reaction time, finding a differential effect of the driving oscillatory responses on behavioral performance by group. Overall, our findings suggest compensatory activity in the motor cortices is detectable early in the disease in a relatively healthy sample of adults with T1D. Future studies are needed to examine how these subtle effects on neural activity in young, otherwise healthy patients affect outcomes in aging. Type 1 diabetes has been repeatedly associated with deficits in psychomotor speed. These deficits may reflect the impact of diabetes or common comorbidities. A large group of otherwise healthy patients and matched controls underwent MEG. Motor-related neural oscillations were imaged and statistically examined. Two key oscillations were aberrant in type 1 diabetics and impacted performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Embury
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, NE, USA; Center for Magnetoencephalography, UNMC, Omaha, NE, USA; Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Elizabeth Heinrichs-Graham
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, NE, USA; Center for Magnetoencephalography, UNMC, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Grace H Lord
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, UNMC, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Andjela T Drincic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, UNMC, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Cyrus V Desouza
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, UNMC, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Tony W Wilson
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, NE, USA; Center for Magnetoencephalography, UNMC, Omaha, NE, USA; Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA.
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45
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Desbeaumes Jodoin V, Miron JP, Lespérance P. Safety and Efficacy of Accelerated Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Protocol in Elderly Depressed Unipolar and Bipolar Patients. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2019; 27:548-558. [PMID: 30527274 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2018.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent condition in older adults. Although antidepressant drugs are commonly prescribed, efficacy is variable, and older patients are more prone to side effects. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an alternative therapy used increasingly in the treatment of MDD. Even though recent studies have shown efficacy of rTMS in elderly depressed patients, the safety and efficacy of accelerated rTMS has not been studied in this population. METHODS Data were retrospectively analyzed for adults with treatment-resistant depression (N = 73, n = 19 ≥60years, n = 54 <60 years) who underwent an accelerated protocol of 30 sessions (2 sessions per day) of left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex high-frequency (20 Hz) rTMS. RESULTS There were statistically significant improvements in depression and anxiety symptoms from baseline to post-treatment in both age groups, but those 60years and older showed statistically greater improvement in depression and anxiety symptom scores (p = 0.01) than those less than 60. There were significantly more responders (p = 0.001) and remitters (p = 0.023) in the older group. The age groups did not differ significantly in clinical and demographic characteristics or severity of current depressive episode, although baseline anxiety was less severe in those 60years and older. Unipolar and bipolar patients had a similar clinical response, and treatment appeared to be well tolerated by all patients. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that accelerated rTMS protocol is a safe and effective treatment for unipolar and bipolar depressed subjects, including older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jean-Philippe Miron
- Department of Psychiatry (VDJ, JPM, PL), Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal
| | - Paul Lespérance
- Department of Psychiatry (VDJ, JPM, PL), Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal.
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46
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Ruitenberg MFL, Cassady KE. Commentary: Age Differentiation within Gray Matter, White Matter, and between Memory and White Matter in an Adult Life Span Cohort. Front Aging Neurosci 2019; 11:93. [PMID: 31057393 PMCID: PMC6482270 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2019.00093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marit F. L. Ruitenberg
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Marit F. L. Ruitenberg
| | - Kaitlin E. Cassady
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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47
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Smith JA, Fisher BE. Anticipatory postural adjustments and spatial organization of motor cortex: evidence of adaptive compensations in healthy older adults. J Neurophysiol 2018; 120:2796-2805. [DOI: 10.1152/jn.00428.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
During anticipated postural perturbations induced by limb movement, the central nervous system generates anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) in the trunk and hip musculature to minimize disturbances to equilibrium. Age-related changes in functional organization of the nervous system may contribute to changes in APAs in healthy older adults. Here we examined if altered APAs of trunk/hip musculature in older adults are accompanied by changes in the representation of these muscles in motor cortex. Twelve healthy older adults, 5 with a history of falls and 7 nonfallers, were compared with 13 young adults. APAs were assessed during a mediolateral arm raise task in standing. Temporal organization of postural adjustments was quantified as latency of APAs in the contralateral external oblique, lumbar paraspinals, and gluteus medius relative to activation of the deltoid. Spatial organization was quantified as extent of synergistic coactivation between muscles. Volume and location of the muscle representations in motor cortex were mapped using transcranial magnetic stimulation. We found that older adults demonstrated significantly delayed APAs in the gluteus medius muscle. Spatial organization of the three muscles in motor cortex differed between groups, with the older adults demonstrating more lateral external oblique representation than the other two muscles. Separate comparisons of the faller and nonfaller subgroups with young adults indicated that nonfallers had the greatest delay in gluteus medius APAs and a reduced distance between the representational areas of the lumbar paraspinals and gluteus medius. This study indicates that altered spatial organization of motor cortex accompanies altered temporal organization of APA synergies in older adults. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Anticipatory postural adjustments are a critical component of postural control. Here we demonstrate that, in healthy older adults with and without a history of falls, delayed anticipatory postural adjustments in the hip musculature during mediolateral perturbations are accompanied by altered organization of trunk/hip muscle representation in motor cortex. The largest adaptations are evident in older adults with no history of falls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Armour Smith
- Department of Physical Therapy, Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, Chapman University, Irvine, California
- Neuroplasticity and Imaging Laboratory, Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Beth E. Fisher
- Neuroplasticity and Imaging Laboratory, Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
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Wermelinger S, Gampe A, Daum MM. The dynamics of the interrelation of perception and action across the life span. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2018; 83:116-131. [PMID: 30083839 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-018-1058-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Successful social interaction relies on the interaction partners' perception, anticipation and understanding of their respective actions. The perception of a particular action and the capability to produce this action share a common representational ground. So far, no study has explored the interrelation between action perception and production across the life span using the same tasks and the same measurement techniques. This study was designed to fill this gap. Participants between 3 and 80 years (N = 214) observed two multistep actions of different familiarities and then reproduced the according actions. Using eye tracking, we measured participants' action perception via their prediction of action goals during observation. To capture subtler perceptual processes, we additionally analysed the dynamics and recurrent patterns within participants' gaze behaviour. Action production was assessed via the accuracy of the participants' reproduction of the observed actions. No age-related differences were found for the perception of the familiar action, where participants of all ages could rely on previous experience. In the unfamiliar action, where participants had less experience, action goals were predicted more frequently with increasing age. The recurrence in participants' gaze behaviour was related to both, age and action production: gaze behaviour was more recurrent (i.e. less flexible) in very young and very old participants, and lower levels of recurrence (i.e. greater flexibility) were related to higher scores in action production across participants. Incorporating a life-span perspective, this study illustrates the dynamic nature of developmental differences in the associations of action production with action perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Wermelinger
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Binzmuehlestrasse 14, Box 21, 8050, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Anja Gampe
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Binzmuehlestrasse 14, Box 21, 8050, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Moritz M Daum
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Binzmuehlestrasse 14, Box 21, 8050, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Arnold P, Njemini R, Vantieghem S, Gorus E, Pool-Goudzwaard A, Buyl R, Bautmans I. Reaction time in healthy elderly is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation and advanced glycation end product. Exp Gerontol 2018; 108:118-124. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2018.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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