scholarly journals Systematic Balance Exercises Influence Cortical Activation and Serum BDNF Levels in Older Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 1910 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kubica ◽  
Szymura ◽  
Domagalik ◽  
Golda ◽  
Wiecek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Motor Imagery ◽  
Action Observation ◽  
Brain Area ◽  
Balance Training ◽  
Cortical Activation ◽  
Bdnf Expression ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Balance Exercises ◽  
Serum Bdnf

: We sought to investigate whether systematic balance training modulates brain area activity responsible for postural control and influence brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA protein expression. Seventy-four older adults were randomly divided into three groups (mean age 65.34 ± 3.79 years, 30 females): Classic balance exercises (CBT), virtual reality balance exercises (VBT), and control (CON). Neuroimaging studies were performed at inclusion and after completion of the training or 12 weeks later (CON). Blood samples were obtained to measure BDNF expression. The study revealed significant interaction of sessions and groups: In the motor imagery (MI) condition for supplementary motor area (SMA) activity (Fat peak = 5.25, p < 0.05); in the action observation (AO) condition for left and right supramarginal gyrus/posterior insula (left: Fat peak = 6.48, p < 0.05; right: Fat peak = 6.92, p < 0.05); in the action observation together with motor imagery (AOMI) condition for the middle occipital gyrus (laterally)/area V5 (left: Fat peak = 6.26, p < 0.05; right: Fat peak = 8.37, p < 0.05), and in the cerebellum–inferior semilunar lobule/tonsil (Fat peak = 5.47, p < 0.05). After the training serum BDNF level has increased in CBT (p < 0.001) and in CBT compared to CON (p < 0.05). Systematic balance training may reverse the age-related cortical over-activations and appear to be a factor mediating neuroplasticity in older adults.

Experience Influences Brain Mechanisms of Watching Dance

2011 ◽  
Vol 29 (supplement) ◽  
pp. 352-377 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seon Hee Jang ◽  
Frank E Pollick
Keyword(s):  
Motor Imagery ◽  
Visual Experience ◽  
Primary Motor Cortex ◽  
Action Observation ◽  
Brain Area ◽  
Retrosplenial Cortex ◽  
Imagery Task ◽  
Temporoparietal Junction ◽  
Action Observation Network ◽  
Viewing Experience

The study of dance has been helpful to advance our understanding of how human brain networks of action observation are influenced by experience. However previous studies have not examined the effect of extensive visual experience alone: for example, an art critic or dance fan who has a rich experience of watching dance but negligible experience performing dance. To explore the effect of pure visual experience we performed a single experiment using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to compare the neural processing of dance actions in 3 groups: a) 14 ballet dancers, b) 10 experienced viewers, c) 12 novices without any extensive dance or viewing experience. Each of the 36 participants viewed short 2-second displays of ballet derived from motion capture of a professional ballerina. These displays represented the ballerina as only points of light at the major joints. We wished to study the action observation network broadly and thus included two different types of display and two different tasks for participants to perform. The two different displays were: a) brief movies of a ballet action and b) frames from the ballet movies with the points of lights connected by lines to show a ballet posture. The two different tasks were: a) passively observe the display and b) imagine performing the action depicted in the display. The two levels of display and task were combined factorially to produce four experimental conditions (observe movie, observe posture, motor imagery of movie, motor imagery of posture). The set of stimuli used in the experiment are available for download after this paper. A random effects ANOVA was performed on brain activity and an effect of experience was obtained in seven different brain areas including: right Temporoparietal Junction (TPJ), left Retrosplenial Cortex (RSC), right Primary Somatosensory Cortex (S1), bilateral Primary Motor Cortex (M1), right Orbitofrontal Cortex (OFC), right Temporal Pole (TP). The patterns of activation were plotted in each of these areas (TPJ, RSC, S1, M1, OFC, TP) to investigate more closely how the effect of experience changed across these areas. For this analysis, novices were treated as baseline and the relative effect of experience examined in the dancer and experienced viewer groups. Interpretation of these results suggests that both visual and motor experience appear equivalent in producing more extensive early processing of dance actions in early stages of representation (TPJ and RSC) and we hypothesise that this could be due to the involvement of autobiographical memory processes. The pattern of results found for dancers in S1 and M1 suggest that their perception of dance actions are enhanced by embodied processes. For example, the S1 results are consistent with claims that this brain area shows mirror properties. The pattern of results found for the experienced viewers in OFC and TP suggests that their perception of dance actions are enhanced by cognitive processes. For example, involving aspects of social cognition and hedonic processing – the experienced viewers find the motor imagery task more pleasant and have richer connections of dance to social memory. While aspects of our interpretation are speculative the core results clearly show common and distinct aspects of how viewing experience and physical experience shape brain responses to watching dance.

scholarly journals Effect of Age in Auditory Go/No-Go Tasks: A Magnetoencephalographic Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 667
Author(s):  
Mei-Yin Lin ◽  
Chia-Hsiung Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Response Inhibition ◽  
Cortical Activation ◽  
Middle Temporal Gyrus ◽  
Neural Responses ◽  
Source Imaging ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Aging Populations ◽  
Neural Underpinnings ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Response inhibition is frequently examined using visual go/no-go tasks. Recently, the auditory go/no-go paradigm has been also applied to several clinical and aging populations. However, age-related changes in the neural underpinnings of auditory go/no-go tasks are yet to be elucidated. We used magnetoencephalography combined with distributed source imaging methods to examine age-associated changes in neural responses to auditory no-go stimuli. Additionally, we compared the performance of high- and low-performing older adults to explore differences in cortical activation. Behavioral performance in terms of response inhibition was similar in younger and older adult groups. Relative to the younger adults, the older adults exhibited reduced cortical activation in the superior and middle temporal gyrus. However, we did not find any significant differences in cortical activation between the high- and low-performing older adults. Our results therefore support the hypothesis that inhibition is reduced during aging. The variation in cognitive performance among older adults confirms the need for further study on the underlying mechanisms of inhibition.

When estimating reachability in space, young children and the elderly are similar

1970 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carl Gabbard ◽  
Priscila Caçola
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Motor Imagery ◽  
Mental Representation ◽  
Brain Structure ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Extrapersonal Space ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Reach Space ◽  
Total Accuracy

Abstract: This study examined the age-related ability to mentally represent action in the context of reach estimation via use of motor imagery in children, young adults, and a group of older adults. Participants were instructed to estimate whether randomly presented targets in peripersonal (within actual reach) and extrapersonal (beyond reach) space were within or out of reach of their dominant limb while seated. In regard to total accuracy, results indicated that children and older adults were similar, but scores were significantly lower than those of young adults. Whereas all groups displayed greater error in extrapersonal space, once again children and older adults were similar, but significantly different than young adults. That is, children and older adults displayed greater overestimation responses. Although other factors are discussed, the literature provides a hint that differences are due in part to distinctions in brain structure and functioning. Key Words: Mental representation, motor imagery, action processing. 

When estimating reachability in space, young children and the elderly are similar

2011 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 7-13
Author(s):  
Carl Gabbard ◽  
Priscila Caçola
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Motor Imagery ◽  
Brain Structure ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Extrapersonal Space ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Reach Space ◽  
Total Accuracy

This study examined the age-related ability to mentally represent action in the context of reach estimation via use of motor imagery in children, young adults, and a group of older adults. Participants were instructed to estimate whether randomly presented targets in peripersonal (within actual reach) and extrapersonal (beyond reach) space were within or out of reach of their dominant limb while seated. In regard to total accuracy, results indicated that children and older adults were similar, but scores were significantly lower than those of young adults. Whereas all groups displayed greater error in extrapersonal space, once again children and older adults were similar, but significantly different than young adults. That is, children and older adults displayed greater overestimation responses. Although other factors are discussed, the literature provides a hint that differences are due in part to distinctions in brain structure and functioning.

Cortical Activation to Action Observation and Motor Imagery Corresponds to Motor Learning: An EEG Study (P04.022)

Neurology ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 78 (Meeting Abstracts 1) ◽  
pp. P04.022-P04.022
Author(s):  
L. Leocani ◽  
F. Natali ◽  
J. Gonzalez Rosa ◽  
S. Velikova ◽  
A. Tettamanti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Motor Learning ◽  
Motor Imagery ◽  
Action Observation ◽  
Cortical Activation

scholarly journals Fall prevention among older adults: Case reports exemplifying the value of incorporating lumbar stabilization training during balance exercises

2013 ◽  
Vol 69 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Van Der Merwe ◽  
M.A. Wilmarth
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Balance Training ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Sit To Stand ◽  
Balance Exercise ◽  
Balance Exercises ◽  
Lumbar Stabilization

Background: Older adults are at risk of fallingeach year. Fall injuries results in many health care expenses anddisabilities, yet non-western countries lack the infra-structure andresources for prevention programs. Balance exercises have beenfound to be a cost effective evidence-based intervention in treatingand preventing falls among older adults in western countries.Purpose: The aim of this report was to show that lumbar stabilizationexercises are not only a beneficial addition to a balanceprogram for the prevention and treatment of falls in older adults,but to demonstrate that these exercise can more rapidly improve thefunctional status of older adults, limiting healthcare costs.Case description: Two high functional older adults with a historyof falls presented with poor balance and fear of falling. Both patientsreceived the same balance exercise regime however lumbar stabilization exercises were added to one of the patient’s exerciseprograms. Gait speed, lower extremity strength and balance were assessed with the Balance Evaluation systems test (BESTest),figure-of-eight, four-step-square (FSST), five-time-sit-to-stand tests (5TSTS) after two weeks and four weeks of treatment.Outcomes. All the outcome measures showed statistically significant improvements. Greater improvements in vertical stabilitylimits (14%), gait speed (9%), stability during gait (20%) and five-time-sit-to-stand test were seen with the addition of lumbarstabilization exercises.Discussion. The addition of lumbar stabilization exercises during balance training is of value to improve gait speed, balancetesting scores in stability in gait and vertical stability limits.

scholarly journals Map the apps: a rapid review of digital approaches to support the engagement of older adults in strength and balance exercises

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa McGarrigle ◽  
Elisabeth Boulton ◽  
Chris Todd
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Balance Training ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Behaviour Change Techniques ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Exercise Interventions ◽  
Balance Exercises ◽  
Google Search

Abstract Background Exercise interventions, particularly those targeting strength and balance, are effective in preventing falls in older people. Activity levels are generally below recommended levels and reduce with age. There is concern that exercise levels may be further reduced in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital approaches may offer a means for older people to engage in strength and balance exercises independently in their own homes. The objective of this review was to identify and evaluate existing apps and websites to support independent engagement in strength and balance exercises by older people. Methods We conducted a rapid review of apps and websites, following PRISMA guidelines. We searched for available apps in the Android and iOS app stores, and performed a database search (MEDLINE and EMBASE) for apps in development. We searched for websites using the Google search engine. Apps and websites were evaluated in terms of existing evidence for effectiveness, use of behaviour change techniques (BCTs), and quality. Results We evaluated 13 apps and 24 websites on the basis of our selection criteria. Considering the evidence-base, quality and BCT scores, four apps and six websites are recommended for use by older people who wish to engage in exercise independently in their own homes. No apps or websites have been to RCT evaluation at the time of review. Conclusions Apps and websites have the potential to provide a convenient, cost-effective, and accessible means for many older adults to engage in strength and balance training and reduce falls risk.

scholarly journals The performance of balance exercises during daily tooth brushing is not sufficient to improve balance and muscle strength in healthy older adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Urs Granacher ◽  
Thomas Muehlbauer ◽  
Gerd Göstemeyer ◽  
Stefanie Gruber ◽  
Markus Gruber
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Balance Training ◽  
Tooth Brushing ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Balance Exercises ◽  
Romberg Test ◽  
Steady State Balance

Abstract Background High prevalence rates have been reported for physical inactivity, mobility limitations, and falls in older adults. Home-based exercise might be an adequate means to increase physical activity by improving health- (i.e., muscle strength) and skill-related components of physical fitness (i.e., balance), particularly in times of restricted physical activity due to pandemics. Objective The objective of this study was to examine the effects of home-based balance exercises conducted during daily tooth brushing on measures of balance and muscle strength in healthy older adults. Methods Fifty-one older adults were randomly assigned to a balance exercise group (n = 27; age: 65.1 ± 1.1 years) or a passive control group (n = 24; age: 66.2 ± 3.3 years). The intervention group conducted balance exercises over a period of eight weeks twice daily for three minutes each during their daily tooth brushing routine. Pre- and post-intervention, tests were included for the assessment of static steady-state balance (i.e., Romberg test), dynamic steady-state balance (i.e., 10-m single and dual-task walk test using a cognitive and motor interference task), proactive balance (i.e., Timed-Up-and-Go Test [TUG], Functional-Reach-Test [FRT]), and muscle strength (i.e., Chair-Rise-Test [CRT]). Results Irrespective of group, the statistical analysis revealed significant main effects for time (pre vs. post) for dual-task gait speed (p < .001, 1.12 ≤ d ≤ 2.65), TUG (p < .001, d = 1.17), FRT (p = .002, d = 0.92), and CRT (p = .002, d = 0.94) but not for single-task gait speed and for the Romberg-Test. No significant group × time interactions were found for any of the investigated variables. Conclusions The applied lifestyle balance training program conducted twice daily during tooth brushing routines appears not to be sufficient in terms of exercise dosage and difficulty level to enhance balance and muscle strength in healthy adults aged 60–72 years. Consequently, structured balance training programs using higher exercise dosages and/or more difficult balance tasks are recommended for older adults to improve balance and muscle strength.

scholarly journals Association Between Components of Cognitive Reserve and Serum BDNF in Healthy Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica M. Collins ◽  
Edward Hill ◽  
Aidan Bindoff ◽  
Anna E. King ◽  
Jane Alty ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Reserve ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Education And Training ◽  
Age Related ◽  
University Level ◽  
Life Education ◽  
The Brain ◽  
And Training ◽  
Serum Bdnf

Background: The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein has been shown to have a prominent role in neuron survival, growth, and function in experimental models, and the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism which regulates its expression has been linked to resilience toward the effects of aging on cognition. Cognitively stimulating activity is linked to both increased levels of BDNF in the brain, and protection against age-related cognitive decline. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between serum BDNF levels, the BDNF Val66Met genotype, and components of cognitive reserve in early and mid-life, measured with the Lifetime of Experiences Questionnaire (LEQ).Methods: Serum BDNF levels were measured cross-sectionally in 156 participants from the Tasmanian Healthy Brain Project (THBP) cohort, a study examining the potential benefits of older adults engaging in a university-level education intervention. Multiple linear regression was used to estimate serum BDNF’s association with age, education, gender, BDNF Val66Met genotype, later-life university-level study, and cognitively stimulating activities measured by the LEQ.Results: Serum BDNF in older adults was associated with early life education and training, increasing 0.007 log(pg/ml) [95%CI 0.001, 0.012] per unit on the LEQ subscale. Conversely, education and training in mid-life were associated with a −0.007 log(pg/ml) [−0.012, −0.001] decrease per unit on the LEQ subscale. Serum BDNF decreased with age (−0.008 log(pg/ml) [−0.015, −0.001] per year), and male gender (−0.109 log(pg/ml) [−0.203, −0.015]), but mean differences between the BDNF Val66Met polymorphisms were not significant (p = 0.066). All effect sizes were small, with mid-life education and training having the largest effect size (ηp2 = 0.044).Conclusion: Education in both early and mid-life explained small but significant amounts of variance in serum BDNF levels, more than age or gender. These effects were opposed and independent, suggesting that education at different stages of life may be associated with different cognitive and neural demands. Education at different stages of life may be important covariates when estimating associations between other exposures and serum BDNF.

scholarly journals Map the Apps: a rapid review of digital approaches to support the engagement of older adults in strength and balance exercises

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa McGarrigle ◽  
Elisabeth Boulton ◽  
Chris Todd
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Balance Training ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Behaviour Change Techniques ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Exercise Interventions ◽  
Balance Exercises ◽  
Google Search

Abstract Background: Exercise interventions, particularly those targeting strength and balance, are effective in preventing falls in older people. Activity levels are generally below recommended levels and reduce with age. There is concern that exercise levels may be further reduced in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital approaches may offer a means for older people to engage in strength and balance exercises independently in their own homes. The objective of this review was to identify and evaluate existing apps and websites to support independent engagement in strength and balance exercises by older people.Methods: We conducted a rapid review of apps and websites, following PRISMA guidelines. We searched for available apps in the Android and iOS app stores, and performed a database search (MEDLINE and EMBASE) for apps in development. We searched for websites using the Google search engine. Apps and websites were evaluated in terms of existing evidence for effectiveness, use of behaviour change techniques (BCTs), and quality. Results: We evaluated 13 apps and 24 websites on the basis of our selection criteria. Considering the evidence-base, quality and BCT scores, four apps and six websites are recommended for use by older people who wish to engage in exercise independently in their own homes. No apps or websites have been to RCT evaluation at the time of review.Conclusions: Apps and websites have the potential to provide a convenient, cost-effective, and accessible means for many older adults to engage in strength and balance training and reduce falls risk.

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