Age-related differences in corticospinal excitability during a choice reaction time task
Koen Cuypers1, Herbert Thijs, Julie Duque
1BIOMED, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Agoralaan, Building C, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
Age (Dordrecht, Netherlands)
|September 26, 2012
Summary
Older adults exhibit reduced corticospinal excitability suppression during response preparation, leading to slower reaction times. This suggests age-related declines in preparatory processes impact motor control.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Motor Control
- Aging Research
Background:
- Age-related central processing declines can impact corticospinal excitability, affecting voluntary motor responses.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for addressing age-related motor deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related differences in corticospinal excitability during a choice reaction time task.
- To determine the relationship between corticospinal excitability and reaction time in young versus older adults.
Main Methods:
- Single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was used to assess corticospinal excitability.
- Motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) were recorded from the first dorsal interosseus (FDI) muscle.
- Participants performed a choice reaction time (CRT) task involving index finger selection.
Main Results:
- Both young and older adults showed preparatory suppression of corticospinal excitability.
- This suppression was less pronounced in older adults compared to young adults.
- Reduced preparatory suppression in older adults correlated with longer reaction times (RTs).
Conclusions:
- Age-related declines in preparatory processes contribute to increased reaction times in older individuals.
- Corticospinal excitability modulation during response preparation is altered with aging.
- These findings highlight a neural basis for age-related motor slowing.
