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Barmpas K, Panagakis Y, Zoumpourlis G, Adamos DA, Laskaris N, Zafeiriou S. A causal perspective on brainwave modeling for brain-computer interfaces. J Neural Eng 2024; 21:036001. [PMID: 38621380 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ad3eb5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Objective. Machine learning (ML) models have opened up enormous opportunities in the field of brain-computer Interfaces (BCIs). Despite their great success, they usually face severe limitations when they are employed in real-life applications outside a controlled laboratory setting.Approach. Mixing causal reasoning, identifying causal relationships between variables of interest, with brainwave modeling can change one's viewpoint on some of these major challenges which can be found in various stages in the ML pipeline, ranging from data collection and data pre-processing to training methods and techniques.Main results. In this work, we employ causal reasoning and present a framework aiming to breakdown and analyze important challenges of brainwave modeling for BCIs.Significance. Furthermore, we present how general ML practices as well as brainwave-specific techniques can be utilized and solve some of these identified challenges. And finally, we discuss appropriate evaluation schemes in order to measure these techniques' performance and efficiently compare them with other methods that will be developed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Barmpas
- Department of Computing, Imperial College London, London SW7 2RH, United Kingdom
- Cogitat Ltd, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yannis Panagakis
- Department of Informatics and Telecommunications, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 15784, Greece
- Archimedes Research Unit, Research Center Athena, Athens 15125, Greece
- Cogitat Ltd, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Dimitrios A Adamos
- Department of Computing, Imperial College London, London SW7 2RH, United Kingdom
- Cogitat Ltd, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nikolaos Laskaris
- School of Informatics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece
- Cogitat Ltd, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stefanos Zafeiriou
- Department of Computing, Imperial College London, London SW7 2RH, United Kingdom
- Cogitat Ltd, London, United Kingdom
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Behboodi A, Kline J, Gravunder A, Phillips C, Parker SM, Damiano DL. Development and evaluation of a BCI-neurofeedback system with real-time EEG detection and electrical stimulation assistance during motor attempt for neurorehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy. Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 18:1346050. [PMID: 38633751 PMCID: PMC11021665 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1346050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
In the realm of motor rehabilitation, Brain-Computer Interface Neurofeedback Training (BCI-NFT) emerges as a promising strategy. This aims to utilize an individual's brain activity to stimulate or assist movement, thereby strengthening sensorimotor pathways and promoting motor recovery. Employing various methodologies, BCI-NFT has been shown to be effective for enhancing motor function primarily of the upper limb in stroke, with very few studies reported in cerebral palsy (CP). Our main objective was to develop an electroencephalography (EEG)-based BCI-NFT system, employing an associative learning paradigm, to improve selective control of ankle dorsiflexion in CP and potentially other neurological populations. First, in a cohort of eight healthy volunteers, we successfully implemented a BCI-NFT system based on detection of slow movement-related cortical potentials (MRCP) from EEG generated by attempted dorsiflexion to simultaneously activate Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation which assisted movement and served to enhance sensory feedback to the sensorimotor cortex. Participants also viewed a computer display that provided real-time visual feedback of ankle range of motion with an individualized target region displayed to encourage maximal effort. After evaluating several potential strategies, we employed a Long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network, a deep learning algorithm, to detect the motor intent prior to movement onset. We then evaluated the system in a 10-session ankle dorsiflexion training protocol on a child with CP. By employing transfer learning across sessions, we could significantly reduce the number of calibration trials from 50 to 20 without compromising detection accuracy, which was 80.8% on average. The participant was able to complete the required calibration trials and the 100 training trials per session for all 10 sessions and post-training demonstrated increased ankle dorsiflexion velocity, walking speed and step length. Based on exceptional system performance, feasibility and preliminary effectiveness in a child with CP, we are now pursuing a clinical trial in a larger cohort of children with CP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahad Behboodi
- Department of Biomechanics, University of Nebraska Omaha, Omaha, NE, United States
- Neurorehabilitation and Biomechanics Research Section, Rehabilitation Medicine Department, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Julia Kline
- Neurorehabilitation and Biomechanics Research Section, Rehabilitation Medicine Department, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Andrew Gravunder
- Neurorehabilitation and Biomechanics Research Section, Rehabilitation Medicine Department, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Connor Phillips
- Neurorehabilitation and Biomechanics Research Section, Rehabilitation Medicine Department, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Sheridan M. Parker
- Neurorehabilitation and Biomechanics Research Section, Rehabilitation Medicine Department, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Diane L. Damiano
- Neurorehabilitation and Biomechanics Research Section, Rehabilitation Medicine Department, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Proost M, Habay J, DE Wachter J, DE Pauw K, Marusic U, Meeusen R, DE Bock S, Roelands B, VAN Cutsem J. The Impact of Mental Fatigue on a Strength Endurance Task: Is There a Role for the Movement-Related Cortical Potential? Med Sci Sports Exerc 2024; 56:435-445. [PMID: 37847068 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000003322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain how mental fatigue degrades sport performance. In terms of endurance performance, a role for an increased perceived exertion has been demonstrated. Using electroencephalography and, more specifically, the movement-related cortical potential (MRCP), the present study explored the neural mechanisms that could underlie the mental fatigue-associated increase in perceived exertion. METHODS Fourteen participants (age, 23 ± 2 yr; 5 women, 9 men) performed one familiarization and two experimental trials in a randomized, blinded, crossover study design. Participants had to complete a submaximal leg extension task after a mentally fatiguing task (EXP; individualized 60-min Stroop task) or control task (CON; documentary). The leg extension task consisted of performing 100 extensions at 35% of 1 repetition maximum, during which multiple physiological (heart rate, electroencephalography) and subjective measures (self-reported feeling of mental fatigue, cognitive load, behand motivation, ratings of perceived exertion) were assessed. RESULTS Self-reported feeling of mental fatigue was higher in EXP (72 ± 18) compared with CON (37 ± 17; P < 0.001). A significant decrease in flanker accuracy was detected only in EXP (from 0.96 ± 0.03% to 0.03%; P < 0.05). No significant differences between conditions were found in MRCP characteristics and perceived exertion. Specifically in EXP, alpha wave power increased during the leg extension task ( P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Mental fatigue did not impact the perceived exertion or MRCP characteristics during the leg extension task. This could be related to low perceived exertion and/or the absence of a performance outcome during the leg extension task. The increase in alpha power during the leg extension task in EXP suggests that participants may engage a focused internal attention mechanism to maintain performance and mitigate feelings of fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Proost
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, BELGIUM
| | | | - Jonas DE Wachter
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, BELGIUM
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Ogahara K, Nakashima A, Suzuki T, Sugawara K, Yoshida N, Hatta A, Moriuchi T, Higashi T. Comparing movement-related cortical potential between real and simulated movement tasks from an ecological validity perspective. Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 17:1313835. [PMID: 38298203 PMCID: PMC10828031 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1313835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Concerns regarding the ecological validity of movement-related cortical potential (MRCP) experimental tasks that are related to motor learning have recently been growing. Therefore, we compared MRCP during real movement task (RMT) and simulated movement task (SMT) from an ecological validity perspective. Methods The participants performed both RMT and SMT, and MRCP were measured using electroencephalogram (EEG). EEG was based on the 10-20 method, with electrodes placed in the motor cortex (C3 and C4) and supplementary motor cortex (FCz [between Fz and Cz] and Cz) areas. This experiment examined the MRCP using Bereitschaftspotential (BP) and negative slope (NS') onset times, and BP, NS', and motor potential (MP) amplitudes during the task. Results The results revealed that the SMT exhibited later BP and NS' onset times and smaller BP, NS', and MP amplitudes than the RMT. Furthermore, in RMT, the onset time of MRCP was delayed, and the amplitude of MRCP was smaller in the second half of the 200 times task than in the first half, whereas in SMT, there was no change in onset time and amplitude. The SMT showed a different MRCP than the RMT, suggesting that the ecological validity of the task should be fully considered when investigating the cortical activity associated with motor skill learning using MRCP. Conclusion Ecological validity of the study should be fully considered when investigating the cortical activity associated with motor skill learning using MRCP. Moreover, it is important to understand the differences between the two methods when applied clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kakuya Ogahara
- Department of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Health Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Kanagawa University of Human Services, Yokosuka, Japan
| | - Akira Nakashima
- Department of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Health Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Tomotaka Suzuki
- Department of Physical Therapy, Kanagawa University of Human Services, Yokosuka, Japan
| | - Kenichi Sugawara
- Department of Physical Therapy, Kanagawa University of Human Services, Yokosuka, Japan
| | - Naoshin Yoshida
- Department of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Health Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Arihiro Hatta
- Department of Physical Recreation, School of Physical Education, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Japan
| | - Takefumi Moriuchi
- Department of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Health Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Toshio Higashi
- Department of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Health Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
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Lorenz EA, Su X, Skjæret-Maroni N. A review of combined functional neuroimaging and motion capture for motor rehabilitation. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2024; 21:3. [PMID: 38172799 PMCID: PMC10765727 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-023-01294-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Technological advancements in functional neuroimaging and motion capture have led to the development of novel methods that facilitate the diagnosis and rehabilitation of motor deficits. These advancements allow for the synchronous acquisition and analysis of complex signal streams of neurophysiological data (e.g., EEG, fNIRS) and behavioral data (e.g., motion capture). The fusion of those data streams has the potential to provide new insights into cortical mechanisms during movement, guide the development of rehabilitation practices, and become a tool for assessment and therapy in neurorehabilitation. RESEARCH OBJECTIVE This paper aims to review the existing literature on the combined use of motion capture and functional neuroimaging in motor rehabilitation. The objective is to understand the diversity and maturity of technological solutions employed and explore the clinical advantages of this multimodal approach. METHODS This paper reviews literature related to the combined use of functional neuroimaging and motion capture for motor rehabilitation following the PRISMA guidelines. Besides study and participant characteristics, technological aspects of the used systems, signal processing methods, and the nature of multimodal feature synchronization and fusion were extracted. RESULTS Out of 908 publications, 19 were included in the final review. Basic or translation studies were mainly represented and based predominantly on healthy participants or stroke patients. EEG and mechanical motion capture technologies were most used for biomechanical data acquisition, and their subsequent processing is based mainly on traditional methods. The system synchronization techniques at large were underreported. The fusion of multimodal features mainly supported the identification of movement-related cortical activity, and statistical methods were occasionally employed to examine cortico-kinematic relationships. CONCLUSION The fusion of motion capture and functional neuroimaging might offer advantages for motor rehabilitation in the future. Besides facilitating the assessment of cognitive processes in real-world settings, it could also improve rehabilitative devices' usability in clinical environments. Further, by better understanding cortico-peripheral coupling, new neuro-rehabilitation methods can be developed, such as personalized proprioceptive training. However, further research is needed to advance our knowledge of cortical-peripheral coupling, evaluate the validity and reliability of multimodal parameters, and enhance user-friendly technologies for clinical adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuel A Lorenz
- Department of Computer Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Xiaomeng Su
- Department of Computer Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Nina Skjæret-Maroni
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Colamarino E, Lorusso M, Pichiorri F, Toppi J, Tamburella F, Serratore G, Riccio A, Tomaiuolo F, Bigioni A, Giove F, Scivoletto G, Cincotti F, Mattia D. DiSCIoser: unlocking recovery potential of arm sensorimotor functions after spinal cord injury by promoting activity-dependent brain plasticity by means of brain-computer interface technology: a randomized controlled trial to test efficacy. BMC Neurol 2023; 23:414. [PMID: 37990160 PMCID: PMC10662594 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-023-03442-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) results in reduced sensorimotor abilities that strongly impact on the achievement of daily living activities involving hand/arm function. Among several technology-based rehabilitative approaches, Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) which enable the modulation of electroencephalographic sensorimotor rhythms, are promising tools to promote the recovery of hand function after SCI. The "DiSCIoser" study proposes a BCI-supported motor imagery (MI) training to engage the sensorimotor system and thus facilitate the neuroplasticity to eventually optimize upper limb sensorimotor functional recovery in patients with SCI during the subacute phase, at the peak of brain and spinal plasticity. To this purpose, we have designed a BCI system fully compatible with a clinical setting whose efficacy in improving hand sensorimotor function outcomes in patients with traumatic cervical SCI will be assessed and compared to the hand MI training not supported by BCI. METHODS This randomized controlled trial will include 30 participants with traumatic cervical SCI in the subacute phase randomly assigned to 2 intervention groups: the BCI-assisted hand MI training and the hand MI training not supported by BCI. Both interventions are delivered (3 weekly sessions; 12 weeks) as add-on to standard rehabilitation care. A multidimensional assessment will be performed at: randomization/pre-intervention and post-intervention. Primary outcome measure is the Graded Redefined Assessment of Strength, Sensibility and Prehension (GRASSP) somatosensory sub-score. Secondary outcome measures include the motor and functional scores of the GRASSP and other clinical, neuropsychological, neurophysiological and neuroimaging measures. DISCUSSION We expect the BCI-based intervention to promote meaningful cortical sensorimotor plasticity and eventually maximize recovery of arm functions in traumatic cervical subacute SCI. This study will generate a body of knowledge that is fundamental to drive optimization of BCI application in SCI as a top-down therapeutic intervention, thus beyond the canonical use of BCI as assistive tool. TRIAL REGISTRATION Name of registry: DiSCIoser: improving arm sensorimotor functions after spinal cord injury via brain-computer interface training (DiSCIoser). TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05637775; registration date on the ClinicalTrial.gov platform: 05-12-2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Colamarino
- Department of Computer, Control, and Management Engineering "Antonio Ruberti", Sapienza University of Rome, Via Ariosto, 25, 00185, Rome, Italy.
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina, 306, 00179, Rome, Italy.
| | - Matteo Lorusso
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina, 306, 00179, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Jlenia Toppi
- Department of Computer, Control, and Management Engineering "Antonio Ruberti", Sapienza University of Rome, Via Ariosto, 25, 00185, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina, 306, 00179, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giada Serratore
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina, 306, 00179, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Riccio
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina, 306, 00179, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Tomaiuolo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Piazza Pugliatti, 1, 98122, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Federico Giove
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina, 306, 00179, Rome, Italy
- Museo Storico Della Fisica E Centro Studi E Ricerche Enrico Fermi, Via Panisperna, 89a, 00184, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Febo Cincotti
- Department of Computer, Control, and Management Engineering "Antonio Ruberti", Sapienza University of Rome, Via Ariosto, 25, 00185, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina, 306, 00179, Rome, Italy
| | - Donatella Mattia
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina, 306, 00179, Rome, Italy
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Ghani U, Jochumsen M, Gyldenvang MB, Niazi IK. Can water-based EEG caps record robust movement-related cortical potentials (MRCPs) for single and multiple joint movements? ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2023; 2023:1-4. [PMID: 38083438 DOI: 10.1109/embc40787.2023.10340665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Movement-related cortical potentials (MRCPs) have been used extensively in the literature to develop rehabilitation interventions for people with neurological conditions. In this pilot study, we recorded and extracted MRCPs using a water-based cap to determine whether water-based caps are effective. Five participants took part in the study, where their EEG was recorded during single-joint (dorsiflexion) and multiple-joint (sit-to-stand) lower limb movements. We were able to see clear MRCPs for both movement types with an average peak negativity (PN) latency of +22ms for dorsiflexion and +218ms for sit-to-stand. Similarly, the PN amplitude of -14.89μV was recorded for dorsiflexion and -43.54μV for sit-to-stand. These values were comparable to the values reported in studies using gel-based caps. Based on these results, water-based caps can be an effective way to produce robust MRCPs, which can have many advantages over gel-based caps.Clinical Relevance- The study provides clinicians with a more viable method of collecting EEGs and extracting MRCPs, thus allowing them to design more robust interventions for people with neurological disorders.
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Dillen A, Lathouwers E, Miladinović A, Marusic U, Ghaffari F, Romain O, Meeusen R, De Pauw K. A data-driven machine learning approach for brain-computer interfaces targeting lower limb neuroprosthetics. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:949224. [PMID: 35966996 PMCID: PMC9364873 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.949224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Prosthetic devices that replace a lost limb have become increasingly performant in recent years. Recent advances in both software and hardware allow for the decoding of electroencephalogram (EEG) signals to improve the control of active prostheses with brain-computer interfaces (BCI). Most BCI research is focused on the upper body. Although BCI research for the lower extremities has increased in recent years, there are still gaps in our knowledge of the neural patterns associated with lower limb movement. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to show the feasibility of decoding lower limb movements from EEG data recordings. The second aim is to investigate whether well-known neuroplastic adaptations in individuals with an amputation have an influence on decoding performance. To address this, we collected data from multiple individuals with lower limb amputation and a matched able-bodied control group. Using these data, we trained and evaluated common BCI methods that have already been proven effective for upper limb BCI. With an average test decoding accuracy of 84% for both groups, our results show that it is possible to discriminate different lower extremity movements using EEG data with good accuracy. There are no significant differences (p = 0.99) in the decoding performance of these movements between healthy subjects and subjects with lower extremity amputation. These results show the feasibility of using BCI for lower limb prosthesis control and indicate that decoding performance is not influenced by neuroplasticity-induced differences between the two groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnau Dillen
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Brussels Human Robotics Research Center, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Équipes Traitement de l'Information et Systèmes, CY Cergy Paris University, Cergy, France
| | - Elke Lathouwers
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Brussels Human Robotics Research Center, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Aleksandar Miladinović
- Institute for Kinesiology Research, Science and Research Centre Koper, Koper, Slovenia
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health - IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
- Department Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Uros Marusic
- Institute for Kinesiology Research, Science and Research Centre Koper, Koper, Slovenia
- Department of Health Sciences, Alma Mater Europaea - ECM, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Fakhreddine Ghaffari
- Équipes Traitement de l'Information et Systèmes, CY Cergy Paris University, Cergy, France
| | - Olivier Romain
- Équipes Traitement de l'Information et Systèmes, CY Cergy Paris University, Cergy, France
| | - Romain Meeusen
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Brussels Human Robotics Research Center, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kevin De Pauw
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Brussels Human Robotics Research Center, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Kevin De Pauw
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Marusic U, Peskar M, De Pauw K, Omejc N, Drevensek G, Rojc B, Pisot R, Kavcic V. Neural Bases of Age-Related Sensorimotor Slowing in the Upper and Lower Limbs. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:819576. [PMID: 35601618 PMCID: PMC9119024 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.819576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
With advanced age, there is a loss of reaction speed that may contribute to an increased risk of tripping and falling. Avoiding falls and injuries requires awareness of the threat, followed by selection and execution of the appropriate motor response. Using event-related potentials (ERPs) and a simple visual reaction task (RT), the goal of our study was to distinguish sensory and motor processing in the upper- and lower-limbs while attempting to uncover the main cause of age-related behavioral slowing. Strength (amplitudes) as well as timing and speed (latencies) of various stages of stimulus- and motor-related processing were analyzed in 48 healthy individuals (young adults, n = 24, mean age = 34 years; older adults, n = 24, mean age = 67 years). The behavioral results showed a significant age-related slowing, where the younger compared to older adults exhibited shorter RTs for the upper- (222 vs. 255 ms; p = 0.006, respectively) and the lower limb (257 vs. 274 ms; p = 0.048, respectively) as well as lower variability in both modalities (p = 0.001). Using ERP indices, age-related slowing of visual stimulus processing was characterized by overall larger amplitudes with delayed latencies of endogenous potentials in older compared with younger adults. While no differences were found in the P1 component, the later components of recorded potentials for visual stimuli processing were most affected by age. This was characterized by increased N1 and P2 amplitudes and delayed P2 latencies in both upper and lower extremities. The analysis of motor-related cortical potentials (MRCPs) revealed stronger MRCP amplitude for upper- and a non-significant trend for lower limbs in older adults. The MRCP amplitude was smaller and peaked closer to the actual motor response for the upper- than for the lower limb in both age groups. There were longer MRCP onset latencies for lower- compared to upper-limb in younger adults, and a non-significant trend was seen in older adults. Multiple regression analyses showed that the onset of the MRCP peak consistently predicted reaction time across both age groups and limbs tested. However, MRCP rise time and P2 latency were also significant predictors of simple reaction time, but only in older adults and only for the upper limbs. Our study suggests that motor cortical processes contribute most strongly to the slowing of simple reaction time in advanced age. However, late-stage cortical processing related to sensory stimuli also appears to play a role in upper limb responses in the elderly. This process most likely reflects less efficient recruitment of neuronal resources required for the upper and lower extremity response task in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uros Marusic
- Science and Research Centre Koper, Institute for Kinesiology Research, Koper, Slovenia
- Department of Health Sciences, Alma Mater Europaea – ECM, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Manca Peskar
- Science and Research Centre Koper, Institute for Kinesiology Research, Koper, Slovenia
- Biological Psychology and Neuroergonomics, Department of Psychology and Ergonomics, Faculty V: Mechanical Engineering and Transport Systems, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kevin De Pauw
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Brussels Human Robotics Research Center (BruBotics), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nina Omejc
- Science and Research Centre Koper, Institute for Kinesiology Research, Koper, Slovenia
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gorazd Drevensek
- Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, Koper, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Bojan Rojc
- Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, Koper, Slovenia
- Department of Neurology, Izola General Hospital, Izola, Slovenia
| | - Rado Pisot
- Science and Research Centre Koper, Institute for Kinesiology Research, Koper, Slovenia
| | - Voyko Kavcic
- Institute of Gerontology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
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