Developmental and age differences in visuomotor adaptation across the lifespan
Marit F L Ruitenberg1,2, Vincent Koppelmans3, Rachael D Seidler4
1Department of Health, Medical and Neuropsychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, Pieter de La Court Building, P.O. Box 9555, 2300 RB, Leiden, The Netherlands. m.f.l.ruitenberg@fsw.leidenuniv.nl.
Psychological Research
|January 8, 2023
Summary
Sensorimotor adaptation, crucial for daily activities, shows U-shaped age-related changes. Both younger and older individuals adapt slower, suggesting cognitive factors influence this process.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Human Development
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Sensorimotor adaptation is vital for motor control and learning.
- Understanding age-related changes in adaptation is crucial for addressing functional declines.
- Previous research has not comprehensively examined age and sex effects across a wide lifespan.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age and sex differences in sensorimotor adaptation.
- To examine how development and aging impact adaptation and de-adaptation rates.
- To explore the cognitive underpinnings of age-related sensorimotor changes.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 253 participants aged 8-70 years.
- Visuomotor adaptation task using joystick movements with rotated visual feedback.
- Assessment of adaptation and de-adaptation rates at different stages.
Main Results:
- No significant sex differences were found in adaptation patterns.
- A quadratic relationship between age and adaptation/de-adaptation rates was observed.
- Younger and older individuals exhibited slower adaptation and de-adaptation rates compared to middle-aged adults.
Conclusions:
- Sensorimotor adaptation follows a U-shaped trajectory across the lifespan.
- Poorer strategic and cognitive processes in younger and older age may underlie reduced adaptation.
- Developmental and aging-related changes in cognitive functions and brain properties likely influence sensorimotor performance.
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