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Completed

NCT Number: NCT03750903

Effect of Aging on Cortical Excitability and Motor Learning

The objective of the current proposal is to identify 1) how aging-related changes in GABAergic cortical inhibition affect motor performance, and 2) how aerobic exercise may improve inhibitory function and facilitate motor learning.

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Key information

Conditions

Aging

Age range

50 year–85 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Atlanta VA Medical and Rehab Center, Decatur, GA

Decatur, Washington, 30033-4004, United States

About this study

The current proposal seeks quantify neural inhibition using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in older Veterans to identify how each measures contributes to aging-related changes in motor performance. Currently, over 56% (11.8 million) of Veterans are over age 60. Recent research has shown that aging is associated with decreased cortical inhibition and impaired hand motor function. However, this loss of inhibition is not an inescapable consequence of aging. The investigators' previous work that healthy older adults who engage in regular physical activity show increased cortical inhibition and improved dexterity as compared to their sedentary age cohort. This indicates that aerobic training may reverse aging related changes in cortical inhibition and alteration of tonic levels of cortical excitability can have a powerful impact on motor performance in the aging brain. In the current proposal, the investigators will enroll older adults to assess how different measurements (TMS and MRS) of the dominant inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain - GABA differ in relation to motor control. During the MRS scan, participants will perform a motor learning task to assess change in GABA level throughout the acquisition session. These data will be compared with measures of cortical inhibition using TMS to quantify neurotransmitter receptor activity with respect to aging-related changes in motor performance. The investigators will also be comparing the effects of an aerobic exercise intervention as compared to a contact matched stretching control. The investigators believe this project is the first inquiry of its kind and will have an important impact in the understanding of aging-related neurophysiological changes in the brain and how it can remediate associated behavioral declines.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • living persons aged 50-85

Exclusion criteria

  • unmanaged diabetes
  • participants completing vigorous exercise per week
  • participants whose profession requires vigorous physical labor
  • contraindication to magnetic resonance imaging

Treatment and study plan

Aerobic Exercise

Behavioral

Participants will engage in an aerobic exercise program meeting thrice weekly for a period of 12 weeks.

Other names: AE; Exercise

Stretching and Balance Training

Behavioral

Participants will engage in a balance and stretching comparator condition meeting thrice weekly for 12 weeks.

Other names: BAL; Balance

Primary outcomes

  1. Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

    Time frame: Baseline and12 weeks

    Measuring changes in dynamic magnetic resonance spectroscopy of primary motor cortex during motor learning.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

VA Office of Research and Development

Fed

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Aging on Cortical Excitability During Motor Learning

Acronym: ACE

Important dates

Study start
2019
Primary completion
2023
Study completion
2024
First posted
Nov 23, 2018
Registry last updated
Apr 3, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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