Normal aging is accompanied by a decline in motor functions, which affects quality of life. These changes are associated with age-related changes in the brain. It remains unclear how age-related changes in brain structure, function, and connectivity influence motor performance. Therefore, we study how these changes in structural and functional brain interactions can explain deficits in motor functioning.

On the one hand, we focus on the interaction between specific brain areas that form the network involved in motor control. These interactions will be examined both within and between the two hemispheres of the brain. On the other hand, we look at age-related differences in the interactions between different networks at rest from a more global perspective to arrive at a measure of neural de-differentiation.

In our research we focus on training-induced neuroplasticity in the aging brain and investigate (a) which structural and functional brain measurements predict future learning, and (b) how both behavioral and brain measurements change as a result of learning. This requires a combination of non-invasive brain stimulation and multimodal imaging techniques. We aim to make a fundamental contribution to knowledge that can inspire future training programs to alleviate or counteract the functional decline associated with aging.

Moderate intense physical exercise has a beneficial effect in individuals with dementia on physical function, cognition and Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia. Adherence and motivation to exercise appears to be very low in individuals with Dementia living in nursing homes.

This AMusED-project (Adherence by MUSic to Exercise in Dementia) aims to increase the adherence and training volume in individuals with dementia living in nursing homes up to levels meeting the recommendations for moderate-intense aerobic and strength exercise, without burdening the healthcare staff. Because music can play an important motivational role in exercise, we will evaluate two novel interventions, adapted to the specific interest of the individuals, to enhance physical activity in individuals with Dementia living in nursing homes.

Study 1 will identify the effect of a music and video based group exercise program versus usual care in older adults with moderate dementia. Study 2 will determine the effect of music as a biofeedback system and motivational factor on exercise volume during moderate intense aerobic exercises on a stationary bike.

Multi-dimensional exercise and neurophysiological investigation of walking-related fatigue in persons with multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease characterized by inducing
various symptoms, including fatigue. Fatigue is common in people with MS (pwMS), and is one of the most disabling symptoms reported by this population (e.g. almost 90% experience or have experienced fatigue due to MS). Along the same lines, fatigue, which is defined as a decrease in performance on a given task, is also more common in pwMS and affects both motor and cognition domains.

There is also no research into rehabilitation programs to reduce motor fatigue in pwMS. Using different biomechanical and neurophysiological approaches, the project aims to i) investigate, using a virtual reality environment (GRAIL), how motor fatigability influences biomechanical adaptations, what the relationship is with cognition and what the relationship is with neurophysiological measurements during walking with virtual obstacles negotiation; ii) investigate the relationship of neurophysiological domains with fatigability during stepping movements (fNIRS) and the exertion of attentional control using simple tasks (e.g. vigilance tasks).

Improvement of cognition in individuals with progressive MS (CogEx study).

A multicenter study in collaboration with 11 different centers located in Belgium, Denmark, England, Italy, Canada and America will be conducted. Cognitive rehabilitation and aerobic training will be performed separately and jointly by 360 persons with primary or secondary progressive Multiple Sclerosis.

The rehabilitation programs will be evaluated separately and together, with the aim of determining whether both programs are an effective treatment for cognitive problems and to determine whether the treatments have a synergistic effect when combined in individuals with progressive MS. This is a project at the MS Liga Canada in collaboration with the University of Toronto.