Repetitive electric stimulation elicits enduring improvement of sensorimotor performance in seniors.
Age-related changes occur on all stages of the human somatosensory pathway, thereby deteriorating tactile, haptic, and sensorimotor performance. However, recent studies show that age-related changes are not irreversible but treatable through peripheral stimulation paradigms based on neuroplasticity mechanisms. We here applied repetitive electric stimulation (rES) to the fingers on a bi-weekly basis for 4 weeks to induce enduring amelioration of age-related changes in healthy individuals aged 60-85 years. Tactile, haptic, and motor performance gradually improved over time of intervention. After termination of rES, tactile acuity recovered to baseline within 2 weeks, while the gains in haptic and motor performance were preserved for 2 weeks. Sham stimulation showed no comparable changes. Our data indicate that age-related decline of sensorimotor performance can be ameliorated by rES and can be stabilized by the repeated application. Thus, long-term application of rES appears as a prime candidate for maintaining sensorimotor functions in elderly individuals.
Kalisch
Tobias
T
Department of Neurology, Ruhr-University Bochum, BG-Kliniken Bergmannsheil, 44789 Bochum, Germany.
Tegenthoff
Martin
M
Dinse
Hubert R
HR
D000344:Afferent Pathways / Q000502:physiology; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D004193:Discrimination Learning / Q000502:physiology; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D056228:Feedback, Sensory / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D009069:Movement Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D011984:Sensory Receptor Cells / Q000502:physiology; D014110:Touch / Q000502:physiology; D055698:Touch Perception / Q000502:physiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome