Differences in cortical activation characteristics between younger and older adults during single/dual-tasks: A cross-sectional study based on fNIRS

• Published in: Biomedical signal processing and control Vol. 99; p. 106945
• Main Authors: Kan, Chaojie, Zhu, Shizhe, Zhuang, Ren, Wang, Qinglei, Geng, Ayan, Wang, Chaolan, Zhou, Mengye, Shen, Ying, Wang, Tong, Zhu, Yi, Guo, Chuan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.01.2025
• Subjects: Aging; Balance; Cortical activation; Dual task; Functional near-infrared spectroscopy; Single task; ST; fNIRS; Single task; OSI; PMC; SMC; PFC; Functional near-infrared spectroscopy; ROI; DT; Cortical activation; HbO; Aging; Balance; Dual task
• ISSN: 1746-8094
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bspc.2024.106945

•Integration of Dual-Task Paradigm with Neuroimaging: The manuscript introduces a novel approach by integrating a dual-task paradigm with neuroimaging techniques such as functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS). This integration allows for a comprehensive investigation into the simultaneous cognitive and motor demands involved in postural control, shedding light on the intricate interplay between brain function and physical performance, particularly in the neuroimaging of the brain during the task state.•Age-Related Differences in Cortical Activation: Through the analysis of cortical activation patterns, the manuscript highlights age-related differences in how younger and older adults respond to sensory challenges during postural tasks. This insight not only deepens our understanding of age-related changes in sensorimotor integration but also underscores the importance of tailored interventions for different age groups to mitigate fall risk effectively.•Clinical Implications for Fall Prevention: By elucidating the cortical activation characteristics associated with fall risk, the manuscript offers practical insights for clinicians and healthcare providers involved in fall prevention strategies. This study suggests that dual-task training is more effective than single-task training in improving balance ability in older adults, and interventions that enhance balance-related cortical activation (such as TMS and tDCS) can reduce the risk of falls in older adults.•Future Research Directions: Lastly, the manuscript identifies several promising avenues for future research, including investigating the effectiveness of dual-task assessments in guiding fall prevention interventions, exploring differences in cortical activation between older adults with and without a history of falls, and extending the study to include cognitively impaired populations. These future research directions hold the potential to further enhance our understanding of fall risk mechanisms and improve the efficacy of fall prevention strategies. Aging-related decline in multitasking abilities increases the risk of falls, particularly during cognitive-balance dual-tasks. Previous studies have predominantly focused on cognition and balance performance, neglecting research on cortical activation related to balance. The study aims to explore differences in homeostatic control and cortical activation under different sensory conditions during single-tasks (STs) and dual-tasks (DTs) in older and younger adults. 20 elderly and 19 young participants completed balance STs and cognitive-balance DTs. Balance was assessed using an improved Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (mCTSIB), while the cognitive task involved a “subtract 7 countdown.” Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) monitored activation in the left and right sensorimotor cortex, premotor cortex, and prefrontal cortex. Diverse sensory conditions, including restrictions on visual and proprioceptive inputs, were systematically incorporated into the experimental design. Older adults exhibited lower balance performance under DTs compared to STs when only vision was impaired. However, when both vision and proprioception were simultaneously impaired, the opposite was observed. Analysis of brain activation revealed a broader activation pattern in the older group during DT conditions compared to the younger group. Older adults adopted a “posture-first” strategy for balance control during DT to prevent falls. In terms of cortical activation, the older group showing a more extensive pattern, suggesting a potential compensatory mechanism. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for reducing fall risk in the elderly through dual-task training and Cortical intervention. Trial registration: The study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2300078779) on 18 December 2023.