Promoting neuroplasticity and neuropsychological functioning in frailty through an app-based sensorimotor training:...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gerontology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Frailty is an age-related decline in physiological systems, increasing vulnerability and reducing quality of life.
• Neuroscientific models link aging decline to reduced sensorimotor stimulation and neuromodulatory capacity.
• Maladaptive brain plasticity may underlie age-associated cognitive and bodily decline.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of a novel app-based sensorimotor training program for frail individuals.
• To assess the impact of sensorimotor training on frailty status, functional decline, and health indices.
• To explore the relationship between sensorimotor training, neuroplasticity, and biological/psychological correlates of aging.

Main Methods:

• A randomized trial involving 60 frail participants, with 30 in sensorimotor training and 30 in active control (relaxation training).
• Both 90-day interventions utilize app-based delivery with adaptive algorithms and virtual environments.
• Sensorimotor training includes unimodal/multimodal sensory discrimination and precision tasks across visual, auditory, and tactile domains.

Main Results:

• Expected pre-post reduction in frailty status and functional decline.
• Anticipated improvements in sensorimotor function, including extremity function.
• Secondary analyses will examine the influence of BDNF genotype and serum levels, alongside perceptual, cognitive, and quality of life measures.

Conclusions:

• App-based sensorimotor training may effectively target maladaptive behaviors and neuroplasticity in frail older adults.
• This intervention offers a potential new avenue for preventing decline and preserving function in aging populations.
• Further research can characterize frailty and inform personalized interventions for healthy aging.