Modulating Brain Activity to Improve Goal-directed Physical Activity in Older Adults: A Pilot Randomized Controlled...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gerontology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Physical inactivity is a major global health concern among older adults.
• Factors influencing inactivity are often linked to the prefrontal cortex.
• A pilot study explored combining brain stimulation and counseling to address this issue.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and acceptability of combining transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with behavior counseling.
• To evaluate the effects of this combined intervention on physical activity levels in older adults.
• To determine if tDCS and counseling can improve motivation and walking performance.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial was conducted with inactive older adults in subsidized housing.
• Participants received 8 weeks of intervention, including tDCS or sham stimulation and behavior counseling sessions.
• Physical activity was measured using Fitbit daily steps, with assessments at baseline, post-intervention, and during a 12-week retention period.

Main Results:

• The study demonstrated high compliance rates for all intervention components.
• The tDCS group showed a significantly greater increase in average daily steps compared to the sham group (1,179 vs. 550 steps/day).
• Improvements in motivation and self-reported walking performance were observed in the tDCS arm.

Conclusions:

• The combination of tDCS and behavior counseling is a feasible and acceptable approach for increasing physical activity in inactive older adults.
• This pilot study suggests the intervention is effective in improving daily step counts and related outcomes.
• Larger, definitive studies are recommended to further validate these findings.