We aim to determine whether cortical inhibition is changed with age and to determine whether the amount of inhibition and associated activity are associated.
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Brief title
Condition
- Other condition
Synonym
Health condition
fundamenteel onderzoek met gezonde proefpersonen
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
We will determine the amplitude of the motor evoked potential (MEP). The MEP is
expressed as a percentage of the electrically evoked muscle response (M-max).
The MEP is a measure of cortico-spinal excitability. We expect the MEP to be
modulated by performing unilateral or bilateral contractions. We also expect
that the modulation will be age-related. MEP amplitude is also the outcome of
different inhibitions protocols, expressed as an percentage of the baseline
value.
Secondary outcome
The inhibition measures of different TMS protocols (SICI, IHI, SP) en the
amount of associated activity. These measures are linked to the primary
parameters (MEP amplitude).
Background summary
There are structural and functional changes in the brain with age. One of the
age-related changes is a change in the level of inhibition. It is unclear
whether inhibition increases or decreases with age. Changes in inhibition can
be measured with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
Another age-related change is increased associated activity. Associated
activity is the activity in muscles contralateral to the task-limb. Associated
activity is more explicit when a task requires more effort or is fatiguing,
also in young adults. We have observed an age-related increase in the amount of
associated activity already in middle-aged adults (Heetkamp et al., 2014). We
hypothesize that the increased associated activity could be due to age-related
decline in inhibition. Therefore, we would like to study the effect of age
effect on inhibition, the relation between inhibition and associated activity
and determine the cortical origin of the age-related increase in associated
activity.
Study objective
We aim to determine whether cortical inhibition is changed with age and to
determine whether the amount of inhibition and associated activity are
associated.
Study design
This is an intervention study in which we determine the effect of age on
cortical inhibition, the origin of associated activity and the association
between associated activity and inhibition. We use different measures of
inhibition and excitability to do so.
A group of young adults and a group of older adults produce force with both
index finger abductors. During the contractions we stimulate the motor cortex
using transcranial magnetic stimulation to determine the excitability of the
cortico-spinal system as well as the inhibition in one hemisphere and the
inhibition between hemispheres.
Intervention
Subjects produce force with one and/or both index finger abductors. During the
contractions we stimulate the motor cortex with transcranial magnetic
stimulation (TMS).
Study burden and risks
There are no know risks to TMS and electric nerve stimulation. The electric
nerve stimulation is uncomfortable, but lasts very short and is only repeated a
few times. Subject need to visit the lab twice and the measurement takes two
hours. So, the time investment is also limited.
Hanzeplein 1
Groningen 9700AV
NL
Hanzeplein 1
Groningen 9700AV
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
righthandedness
age: 18-35 or 45 years and older
Exclusion criteria
neurological or muscle disorders
epilepsy
migraine
pregnancy
Design
Recruitment
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
No registrations found.
Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
No registrations found.
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| CCMO | NL54747.042.15 |