Older Individuals Do Not Show Task Specific Variations in EEG Band Power and Finger Force Coordination

Controlling and coordinating finger force is crucial for performing everyday tasks and maintaining functional independence. Aging naturally weakens neural, muscular, and musculoskeletal systems, leading to compromised hand motor function. This decline reduces cortical activity, finger force control and coordination in older adults.

To investigate independently the EEG band power and finger force coordination in older individuals and compare the results with young healthy adults.

Twenty healthy young adults aged 20-30 (26.96 ± 2.68) and fourteen older adults aged 58-72 (62.57 ± 3.58) participated in this study. Participants held the instrumented handle gently for five seconds then lifted and held it for an additional five seconds in the two conditions: fixed (thumb platform secured) and free condition (thumb platform may slide on slider).

In the older individuals there was no difference observed in the finger force synergy indices, and EEG beta band power between the two task conditions. However, in the young group synergy indices and EEG beta band power were less in free condition compared to fixed condition. Additionally, in the fixed condition, older adults showed a reduced synergy indices and reduced EEG beta band power than the young adults.

Older participants exhibited consistent synergy indices and beta band power across conditions, while young adults adjusted strategies based on tasks. Task-dependent finger force synergy indices were observed in young adults, contrasting with older individuals Additionally, it is suggested that EEG band power and synergy indices may be related, indicating potential associations between EEG activity and finger force coordination.