Age-specific neural responses to SMA and M1 stimulation during implicit motor sequence learning: Insights from a concurrent tDCS-fNIRS approach.

Jessie Siew-Pin Leuk, Tommy Hock-Beng Ng, Alicia Marie Goodwill, Wei-Peng Teo

Physical Education and Sports Science (PESS) Department, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Nanyang Walk, Singapore 637616 Singapore; Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technology University, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore, 308232, Singapore. · pubmed

Paper

Abstract

Implicit Motor Sequence Learning (IMSL) is critical for automating motor skills, yet it declines with age, impacting independence and quality of life. This study investigated the age-specific roles of the primary motor cortex (M1) and supplementary motor area (SMA) in IMSL using a novel concurrent transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) approach. Twenty younger adults (21-32 years old [M = 24.3 ± 3.26]) and twenty older adults (60-76 years old [M = 67.5 ± 4.88]) performed a Serial Reaction Time Task (SRTT) in three cross-over, counterbalanced sessions with anodal tDCS targeting: i) SMA

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Research summary

The paper claims that age-specific neural responses in the SMA and M1 during implicit motor sequence learning can be modulated by tDCS. This research is relevant as it explores the neural mechanisms underlying motor skill learning in aging, which is crucial for maintaining independence and quality of life in older adults.

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