Project R-13262

Optimizing non-invasive brain stimulation to improve interlimb coordination in older adults by individualizing parameters. (Research)

Aging is associated with decreased functional independence, which can be enhanced by interventions that improveinterlimb coordination, a ubiquitous part of daily life. Oscillating transcranial electrical stimulation (oTES), a type ofnon-invasive brain stimulation, is a promising way to modulate the aberrant neural oscillations that underlie the age-related deterioration of interlimb coordination. Despite its promising results in numerous populations, oTES, and non-invasive brain stimulation in general, greatly suffer from highly variable results across individuals. Overall, this projectaims to create an oTES protocol that consistently alters neural dynamics to improve motor behavior. To do so, thisproject contains 3 major work packages, bundled into 2 studies. First, the causal relationship between neuraloscillations and the age-related deterioration of interlimb coordination will be investigated. Second, the effect of anindividualized oTES approach will be unraveled. Third, the effect of multiple oTES sessions will beinvestigated. Ultimately, this project will pave the way for a novel approach to non-invasive brain stimulation,well beyond the current-state-of-the-art. As a result of this project, ample opportunities for interventions targetingneural dynamics underlying aberrant motor behavior could be created.

01 November 2022 - 31 October 2024