Event-related Desynchronization of Alpha and Beta Band Neural Oscillations Predict Speech and Limb Motor Timing Deficits in Normal Aging.

Event-related Desynchronization of Alpha and Beta Band Neural Oscillations Predict Speech and Limb Motor Timing Deficits in Normal Aging. Behav Brain Res. 2020 Jun 12;:112763 Authors: Johari K, Behroozmand R Abstract Normal aging is associated with decline of motor timing mechanisms implicated in planning and execution of movement. Evidence from previous studies has highlighted the relationship between neural oscillatory activities and motor timing processing in neurotypical younger adults; however, it remains unclear how normal aging affects the underlying neural mechanisms of movement in older populations. In the present study, we recorded EEG activities in two groups of younger and older adults while they performed randomized speech and limb motor reaction time tasks cued by temporally predictable and unpredictable sensory stimuli. Our data showed that older adults were significantly slower than their younger counterparts during speech production and limb movement, especially in response to temporally unpredictable sensory stimuli. This behavioral effect was accompanied by significant desynchronization of alpha (7-12 Hz) and beta (13-25 Hz) band neural oscillatory activities in older compared with younger adults, primarily during the preparatory pre-motor phase of responses for speech production and limb movement. In addition, we found that faster motor reaction times in younger adults were significantly correlated with weaker...
Source: Behavioural Brain Research - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: Behav Brain Res Source Type: research