Journal article
Obstacle Negotiation in Older Adults: Prefrontal Activation Interpreted Through Conceptual Models of Brain Aging
Innovation in aging, v 4(4), pp 1-12
01 Jan 2020
PMID: 32995566
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objectives
The influence of interindividual differences on brain activation during obstacle negotiation and the implications for walking performance are poorly understood in older adults. This study investigated the extent to which prefrontal recruitment during obstacle negotiation is explained by differences in age, executive function, and sex. These data were interpreted according to the Compensation-Related Utilization of Neural Circuits Hypothesis (CRUNCH) framework of brain aging. We also tested the association between prefrontal recruitment and walking performance.
Research Design and Methods
Prefrontal oxygenated hemoglobin concentration (O2Hb) was measured during typical walking (Typical) and obstacle negotiation (Obstacles) tasks in 50 adults aged 65 years and older using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. The primary outcome was the change in prefrontal recruitment (∆PFR), measured as Obstacles ∆O2Hb minus Typical ∆O2Hb. Multiple regression was used to test the relationship between ∆PFR and age, executive function measured by the Trail Making Test, and sex. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to investigate the association between ∆PFR and the cost of Obstacles walking speed relative to Typical walking.
Results
Age, executive function, and their interaction significantly predicted greater ∆PFR (R2 = 0.34, p = .01). Participants were subgrouped according to age and executive function to examine the interaction effects. Adults of lower age and with lower executive function exhibited greater ∆PFR during Obstacles compared to their peers with higher executive function (p = .03). Adults of advanced age exhibited a ceiling of prefrontal recruitment during obstacle negotiation, regardless of executive function level (p = .87). Greater ∆PFR was significantly associated with a smaller cost of Obstacles (r = 0.3, p = .03).
Discussion and Implications
These findings are consistent with the CRUNCH framework: neural inefficiency where a greater amount of brain activation is needed for task performance at a similar level, compensatory overactivation to prevent a steeper decline in task performance, and capacity limitation with a recruitment ceiling effect.
Metrics
Details
- Title
- Obstacle Negotiation in Older Adults: Prefrontal Activation Interpreted Through Conceptual Models of Brain Aging
- Creators
- Sudeshna A Chatterjee - Malcom Randall VA Medical CenterRachael D Seidler - University of FloridaJared W Skinner - Malcom Randall VA Medical CenterPaige E Lysne - University of FloridaChanoan Sumonthee - University of FloridaSamuel S Wu - University of FloridaRonald A Cohen - University of FloridaDorian K Rose - Malcom Randall VA Medical CenterAdam J Woods - University of FloridaSudeshna Aloke Chatterjee - Drexel University, Physical Therapy (and Rehabilitation Sciences)David J Clark - University of Florida
- Publication Details
- Innovation in aging, v 4(4), pp 1-12
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Physical Therapy (and Rehabilitation Sciences)
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:000586882600006
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85106227249
- Other Identifier
- 991021858315004721
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InCites Highlights
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Geriatrics & Gerontology
- Gerontology