Actively Recruiting
Influence of Physical Exercise on Neuroplasticity and Sensorimotor Networks in Older Adults
Led by Universite du Littoral Cote d'Opale · Updated on 2026-02-27
66
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating how a single session of moderate aerobic exercise affects motor cortex neuroplasticity in older adults and comparing these effects with those in young adults. The study focuses on understanding how exercise, alone and combined with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), influences brain changes related to motor function and sensorimotor integration, which may decline with age. This research aims to improve knowledge about strategies to preserve motor function and independence in aging populations. Participants will take part in three experimental sessions involving different conditions: aerobic exercise followed by tDCS, physical inactivity followed by tDCS, and aerobic exercise alone. The aerobic exercise consists of 20 minutes of cycling on an ergometer at moderate intensity, while tDCS involves 20 minutes of anodal stimulation over the primary motor cortex. Sessions are spaced at least one week apart, with randomized order for the first two conditions. During each session, participants will undergo assessments using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to measure corticospinal excitability and intracortical and sensorimotor circuit functions before and after interventions. Researchers will record motor evoked potentials from a hand muscle to evaluate neuroplasticity changes. Additional evaluations include questionnaires on physical activity and pain. Each session lasts between about 1 to 2 hours, with careful monitoring of exercise intensity and brain responses to the interventions.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Influence of Physical Exercise on Neuroplasticity and Sensorimotor Networks in Older Adults
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Men or women aged 20 to 35 for the younger group and 65 to 80 for the older group
- Healthy right-handed or left-handed subjects
- Signed informed consent form
- Ability to understand spoken and written French to follow study procedures
- Subjects affiliated with or beneficiaries of a social security system
You will not qualify if you...
- History of psychiatric disorders causing severe cognitive, behavioral, or emotional impairment
- Neurological history such as epilepsy, stroke, brain or spinal cord surgery, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, or Alzheimer's disease
- Inability to give informed consent due to dementia, hearing impairment, or language difficulties
- Contraindications to TMS and tDCS, including uncontrolled epilepsy, intracranial metallic foreign body, hearing aid or cochlear implant, implanted stimulator or pump, scalp skin lesion, high intracranial pressure, cerebrospinal fluid shunt
- Presence of a cardiac pacemaker or other implanted electronic medical device
- Use of psychotropic drugs
- Individuals under legal guardianship or curatorship
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women
- Inability or recognized contraindication to physical activity
AI-Screening
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Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Each session lasts between 1 hour 5 minutes and 2 hours 5 minutes, with sessions spaced at least one week apart.
Participants complete three experimental sessions separated by at least one week. Each session includes baseline assessments using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), followed by interventions of aerobic exercise or seated rest, and then transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) or exercise alone. Post-intervention assessments measure changes in brain excitability and sensorimotor circuits.
3 visits, each separated by at least one week
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Eurasport
Loos, Nord, France, 59120
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
H
Hervé Devanne, Pr
L
Laurence Jones, MSc
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
3
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