Regular participation in leisure time activities and high cardiovascular fitness improve motor sequence learning in older adults

Abstract

Introduction Older adults show higher interindividual performance variability during the learning of new motor sequences than younger adults. It is largely unknown what factors contribute to this variability. This study aimed to, first, characterize age differences in motor sequence learning and, second, examine influencing factors for interindividual performance differences. Method 30 young adults (age M = 21.89, SD = 2.08, 20 female) and 29 older adults (age M = 69.55, SD = 3.03, 18 female) participated in the study. Motor sequence learning was assessed with a discrete sequence production (DSP) task, requiring key presses to a sequence of visual stimuli. Three DSP practice phases (á 8 blocks × 16 sequences, two six-element sequences) and two transfer blocks (new untrained sequences) were performed. Older participants conducted the Mini-Mental Status Examination and a visuospatial working-memory task. All participants finished a questionnaire on everyday leisure activities and a cardiovascular fitness test. Results Performance speed increased with practice in both groups, but young improved more than older adults (significant Group × Time effect for response time, F(1,5) = 4.353, p = 0.004, $$\eta_{p}^{2}$$ η p 2 = 0.071). Accuracy did not change in any age group (non-significant Group × Time effect for error rates, F(1,5) = 2.130, p = 0.091, $$\eta_{p}^{2}$$ η p 2 = 0.036). Older adults revealed lower transfer costs for performance speed (significant Time × Group effect, e.g., simple sequence, F(1,2) = 10.511, p = 0.002, $$\eta_{p}^{2}$$ η p 2 = 0.156). High participation in leisure time activities (β = − 0.58, p = 0.010, R2 = 0.45) and high cardiovascular fitness (β = − 0.49, p = 0.011, R2 = 0.45) predicted successful motor sequence learning in older adults. Discussion Results confirmed impaired motor learning in older adults. Younger adults seem to show a better implicit knowledge of the practiced sequences compared to older adults. Regular participation in leisure time activities and cardiovascular fitness seem to prevent age-related decline and to facilitate motor sequence performance and motor sequence learning in older adults.

A Single Bout of High-Intensity Cardiovascular Exercise Does Not Enhance Motor Performance and Learning of a Visuomotor Force Modulation Task, but Triggers Ipsilateral Task-Related EEG Activity

“…Since it is suggested that participants reach their limits of cardiovascular performance in approximately 10–12 min [ 45 ], the protocol was adjusted according to participants’ gender and self-reported physical activity levels, defined as at least (equals the “fit” protocol) or less than (equals the “unfit” protocol) three hours per week of endurance sports, such as swimming, running, or cycling. Therefore, a particular ramp protocol was chosen for each participant: the female “unfit” protocol had a load increase of 15 watts/min, with 10 watts as the starting load; the female “fit” and male “unfit” protocols had a load increase of 20 watts/min, with 20 watts as the starting load; the male “fit” protocol had a load increase of 25 watts/min, and started at 25 watts [ 46 ]. We continuously monitored participants’ electrocardiography (ECG; recorded with a 10-lead ECG fully digital stress system; Kiss, GE Healthcare, Munich, Germany), breath-by-breath respiration, heart rate (HR), and blood pressure.…”

Gerontology in Public Health: A Scoping Review of Current Perspectives and Interventions

“…Video consultations enable older adults to access healthcare services remotely, reducing the need for travel and minimizing exposure to infectious diseases. Telemedicine effectively manages chronic conditions, provides mental health services, and conducts routine health assessments [ 18 , 61 - 63 ]. Wearable health monitoring devices like fitness trackers and smartwatches allow continuous monitoring of vital signs and physical activity levels.…”

High-intensity acute exercise impacts motor learning in healthy older adults

“…In older adults, greater cardiorespiratory fitness and increased engagement in leisure activities are associated with better motor sequence learning 38 and greater capacity to induce plasticity in the motor cortex 39 . However, a single bout of exercise may be more accessible compared to longer exercise interventions for older adults, who face increased barriers to exercise 40 .…”