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Event-related theta synchronization over sensorimotor areas differs between younger and older adults and is related to bimanual motor control

  • 0Movement & Neuroscience, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
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January 25, 2025

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January 25, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Older adults show reduced theta synchronization (ERS) during complex motor tasks, indicating age-related changes in motor control and bimanual coordination. This brain activity marker is crucial for dynamic movements.

Area Of Science

  • Neuroscience
  • Motor Control
  • Human Aging

Background

  • Action initiation often modifies existing motor programs, not starts from scratch.
  • Event-related theta synchronization (ERS) over sensorimotor areas marks motor program modification.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate how task complexity and age influence theta band ERS during dynamic bimanual visuomotor tasks.
  • To explore age-related differences in motor program modification and bimanual coordination.

Main Methods

  • Electroencephalography (EEG) recorded brain activity in older (mean age 68) and younger (mean age 26) adults.
  • Participants performed symmetric (SYM) and asymmetric (ASYM) bimanual pinch force adjustments.
  • Analysis focused on theta band ERS in response to visual cues for force changes (P1: novel target, P2: return to baseline).

Main Results

  • Older adults were slower and less accurate, especially in ASYM tasks, showing reduced theta ERS.
  • Younger adults exhibited stronger theta ERS for novel target cues (P1) than return cues (P2); older adults did not differentiate.
  • Older adults showed increased motor cortex lateralization and reduced specificity in theta ERS modulation.

Conclusions

  • Theta ERS is an age-sensitive marker for dynamic pinch force adjustments.
  • Aging is associated with reduced specificity in theta ERS, context-dependent modulations, and imbalanced bimanual activation.
  • These findings highlight age-related changes in the neural mechanisms underlying motor control and adaptation.

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