Repetitive electric stimulation elicits enduring improvement of sensorimotor performance in seniors

Neural Plast. 2010:2010:690531. doi: 10.1155/2010/690531. Epub 2010 Apr 14.

Abstract

Age-related changes occur on all stages of the human somatosensory pathway, thereby deteriorating tactile, haptic, and sensorimotor performance. However, recent studies show that age-related changes are not irreversible but treatable through peripheral stimulation paradigms based on neuroplasticity mechanisms. We here applied repetitive electric stimulation (rES) to the fingers on a bi-weekly basis for 4 weeks to induce enduring amelioration of age-related changes in healthy individuals aged 60-85 years. Tactile, haptic, and motor performance gradually improved over time of intervention. After termination of rES, tactile acuity recovered to baseline within 2 weeks, while the gains in haptic and motor performance were preserved for 2 weeks. Sham stimulation showed no comparable changes. Our data indicate that age-related decline of sensorimotor performance can be ameliorated by rES and can be stabilized by the repeated application. Thus, long-term application of rES appears as a prime candidate for maintaining sensorimotor functions in elderly individuals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Afferent Pathways / physiology
  • Aged
  • Aging / physiology*
  • Brain / physiology
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology
  • Cognition Disorders / physiopathology
  • Cognition Disorders / therapy
  • Discrimination Learning / physiology
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy / methods*
  • Feedback, Sensory / physiology
  • Female
  • Gait Disorders, Neurologic / etiology
  • Gait Disorders, Neurologic / physiopathology
  • Gait Disorders, Neurologic / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Motor Skills / physiology
  • Movement / physiology
  • Movement Disorders / etiology
  • Movement Disorders / physiopathology
  • Movement Disorders / therapy*
  • Neuronal Plasticity / physiology
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology
  • Sensation Disorders / etiology
  • Sensation Disorders / physiopathology
  • Sensation Disorders / therapy*
  • Sensory Receptor Cells / physiology
  • Touch / physiology
  • Touch Perception / physiology
  • Treatment Outcome