Cause-effect relationships between brain networks and inter-limb coordination in older adults and the effect of oscillating transcranial brain stimulation on training-induced neuroplastic changes and motor performance. (R-10791)

Healthy aging is a societal challenge with a huge economic impact. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to gain knowledge on agerelated neurodegenerative changes that limit active participation in society. Age-related structural and functional declines in the brain have an important impact on motor coordination between limbs ("inter-limb coordination"). Since most of our daily activities are characterized by inter-limb movements, such as tying shoelaces or driving a vehicle, research towards a better understanding of the underlying neural mechanisms of impaired coordination is highly relevant. While previous literature combining brain imaging and interlimb tasks have yield correlational evidence between brain dynamics and motor coordination in older adults, this project will use noninvasive brain stimulation to interfere with ongoing brain function in order to assess cause-effect relationships between brain function and behavior. Furthermore, in the last part of this project we will use the knowledge gained in the first part to develop a specific brain stimulation protocol as an intervention to improve inter-limb coordination in older adults. More specifically, we will investigate whether stimulation-supported training yields better performance effects than training alone. In sum, this project is logically built up from the search for neural mechanisms underlying impaired coordination in older adults, towards a goal-oriented intervention program to improve motor skills.

Keywords:Neurological rehabilitation

Disciplines:Neurophysiology, Neurosciences not elsewhere classified, Rehabilitation