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
21 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of a single session of moderate aerobic exercise on motor cortex neuroplasticity in older adults, both alone and in combination with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), and to compare these effects with those observed in young adults. Normal aging is associated with changes in the central nervous system that can affect motor function, sensorimotor integration, and cortical inhibitory mechanisms. These alterations may reduce the brain's capacity for neuroplasticity, which is essential for motor learning and functional adaptation. Physical exercise has been proposed as a potential strategy to counteract age-related decline in neuroplasticity. In this study, healthy young and older adults will participate in three experimental sessions. Participants will complete two experimental conditions in a randomized crossover design: (1) aerobic exercise followed by transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), and (2) physical inactivity followed by tDCS and a third session will assess the effects of exercise alone. Moderate aerobic exercise will consist of 20 minutes of cycling on an ergometer. Corticospinal excitability and intracortical and sensorimotor circuit function will be assessed using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) before and after each intervention. Neuroplasticity will be evaluated by measuring changes in motor evoked potentials recorded from a hand muscle of the dominant side. The primary objective is to determine whether aerobic exercise enhances tDCS-induced plasticity, and whether this enhancement differs between young and older adults. Secondary objectives include evaluating age-related differences in intracortical inhibitory and facilitatory mechanisms and sensorimotor integration processes. By improving understanding of how exercise interacts with brain stimulation to modulate motor cortex plasticity, this study may help inform strategies aimed at preserving motor function and functional independence in aging populations.
CONDITIONS
Official 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.
- Subjects who have signed an 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 preventing understanding of the protocol.
- Neurological history including 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 such as uncontrolled epilepsy, metallic intracranial foreign bodies, hearing aids or cochlear implants, implanted stimulators or pumps, scalp skin lesions, high intracranial pressure, or cerebrospinal fluid shunts.
- Presence of a cardiac pacemaker or other implanted electronic medical device.
- Use of psychotropic drugs.
- Individuals under legal guardianship or curatorship.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
- Inability or recognized contraindication to physical activity.
AI-Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Eurasport
Loos, Nord, France, 59120
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
H
Hervé Devanne, Pr
CONTACT
L
Laurence Jones, MSc
CONTACT
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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