Project R-11163

Age-related Declines in Bimanual Motor Control: Frontal Brain Mechanisms and the Therapeutic Potential of Neuromodulation (Research)

Healthy aging is associated by a progressive decline in bimanual motor functions, such as slower reaction times and worse bimanual coordination skills. This can severely restrict an older person's functional independence and social life. The current project aims to investigate the brain mechanisms underlying these motor behavioral declines, Novel combinations of brain measurement techniques will be used, including magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), dual-site transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), repetitive TMS and dualsite transcranial alternating current stimulation (IACS), The specific goals of this project are (1) to further specify how frontal core regions functionally interact with the contralateral primary motor cortex durinq bimanual motor plannino; (2) to understand the relation between interhem ispheric interactions, GABA availability and central processing efficiency; (3) to complement and substantiate correlational evidence between the brain and motor behaviour by establishing causality, using neuromodulation techniques; and (4) to investigate the potential of neuromodulation for improving bimanual motor quality in healthy older adults. As such, the novel gained insights will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of age-related neurochemical and - physiological mechanisms underlying declined bimanual motor control, as well as to a reflection on the therapeutic potential of specific neuromodulation techniques in order to promote the functional independence and thus quality of life in healthy older adults.

20 February 2021 - 19 May 2021