Difficulty with communication and social functioning are two outstanding core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, and physical activity has long been suggested to improve autism spectrum disorder symptoms. In this meta-analysis of... more
Difficulty with communication and social functioning are two outstanding core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder,
and physical activity has long been suggested to improve autism spectrum disorder symptoms. In this meta-analysis of
controlled trials, we examined the effects of physical activity interventions compared to controls on communication
and social functioning in autistic children and adolescents. Included studies are published articles in English with autism
spectrum disorder participants younger than 18 years. Literature search was conducted on MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL,
and related databases through 6 May 2020. Quality of study was assessed with the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool regarding
randomization, allocation concealment, blinding, attrition, and selective reporting. We included 12 controlled trials (N =
350) with communication outcomes (k = 8) and/or social functioning outcomes (k = 11). Results show small to moderate
intervention benefits on communication (standardized mean change = 0.27, 95% confidence interval (0.06, 0.48)) and
social functioning (standardized mean change = 0.39, 95% confidence interval (0.15, 0.63)), but the result for social
functioning may be susceptible to publication bias. Better intervention outcomes are observed in younger participants,
suggesting the importance of early participation. This study shows the benefits of physical activity interventions, and they
could be considered a cost-effective means for autism spectrum disorder management in the future.
and physical activity has long been suggested to improve autism spectrum disorder symptoms. In this meta-analysis of
controlled trials, we examined the effects of physical activity interventions compared to controls on communication
and social functioning in autistic children and adolescents. Included studies are published articles in English with autism
spectrum disorder participants younger than 18 years. Literature search was conducted on MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL,
and related databases through 6 May 2020. Quality of study was assessed with the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool regarding
randomization, allocation concealment, blinding, attrition, and selective reporting. We included 12 controlled trials (N =
350) with communication outcomes (k = 8) and/or social functioning outcomes (k = 11). Results show small to moderate
intervention benefits on communication (standardized mean change = 0.27, 95% confidence interval (0.06, 0.48)) and
social functioning (standardized mean change = 0.39, 95% confidence interval (0.15, 0.63)), but the result for social
functioning may be susceptible to publication bias. Better intervention outcomes are observed in younger participants,
suggesting the importance of early participation. This study shows the benefits of physical activity interventions, and they
could be considered a cost-effective means for autism spectrum disorder management in the future.
Research Interests:
This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (published or unpublished RCTs in English) examined the effectiveness of dance interventions compared to waitlist/active controls on cognitive functions in patients with mild cognitive... more
This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (published or unpublished RCTs in English) examined the effectiveness of dance interventions compared to waitlist/active controls on cognitive functions in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Literature search was conducted on MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and related databases through 3 August 2019. Risk of bias was assessed with the PEDro scale regarding randomization, allocation concealment, group comparability, blinding, attrition and selective reporting. Five included RCTs (N = 358) used Latin, ballroom and aerobic dances (frequency: 1−3 session/week; intensity: light to moderate; time: 25−60 min/session; type: aerobic). Results show that dance interventions improve global cognition (SMD [95 % CI] = 0.48 [0.21, 0.74]), attention (SMD [95 % CI] = 0.33 [0.12, 0.54]), immediate (SMD [95 % CI] = 0.54 [0.38, 0.71]) and delayed recall (SMD [95 % CI] = 0.33 [0.01, 0.64]), and visuospatial ability (SMD [95 % CI] = 0.16 [0.01, 0.32]). Study limitations include a small number of RCTs and high heterogeneity in some cognitive domains. In summary, dance interventions improve some cognitive domains in MCI. (PROSPERO
registration: CRD42019145418)
registration: CRD42019145418)
Research Interests:
We examined the visuomotor adaptation of children and adults with and without explicit aiming strategies. Younger children were slower and less smooth in visuomotor adaption than adults. Specifically, in the course of adaptation and... more
We examined the visuomotor adaptation of children and adults with and without explicit aiming strategies. Younger children were slower and less smooth in visuomotor adaption than adults. Specifically, in the course of adaptation and re-adaptation, older children had better movement accuracy than adults, while their movement speed and smoothness were similar to those of the adults. Explicit aiming improved movement accuracy for all participants, but also facilitated movement smoothness for younger children. The contribution of explicit adjustment was greater for older children than for younger children. These results show the ongoing development of cognitive functions and movement experiences in children.
Research Interests:
Background and Objectives Meditation and mind–body exercises are suggested to delay decline or enhance cognitive capabilities in older adults. However, their effectiveness remains uncertain. This study assessed the effectiveness of... more
Background and Objectives
Meditation and mind–body exercises are suggested to delay decline or enhance cognitive capabilities in older adults. However, their effectiveness remains uncertain. This study assessed the effectiveness of meditation and mind–body exercises to improve cognition in elderly people aged 60 years or above. Moderator variables were also explored.
Research Design and Methods
A databases search (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wangfang) was conducted from the first available date to January 10, 2018. Inclusion criteria include (a) human older adults aged 60 years or above, (b) meditation, Tai Chi, Qigong, or yoga intervention, (c) intervention should be structured, (d) inclusion of a control group, (e) at least one outcome measure of cognition was measured at baseline and post-training, and (f) peer-reviewed journal articles in English or Chinese.
Results
Forty-one studies (N = 3,551) were included in the meta-analysis. In general, meditation and mind–body exercises improve cognition in the elderly people (SMD = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.19 to 0.48), but the cognition-enhancing effects depend on the type of exercise. In addition, cognitive performance is only improved when the length of intervention is longer than 12 weeks, exercise frequency is 3–7 times/week, or duration of an exercise session is 45–60 min/session.
Discussion and Implications
This study suggests that meditation and mind–body exercises are effective to improve cognition of older adults aged 60 years or above, and exercise parameters should be considered for intervention planning.
Meditation and mind–body exercises are suggested to delay decline or enhance cognitive capabilities in older adults. However, their effectiveness remains uncertain. This study assessed the effectiveness of meditation and mind–body exercises to improve cognition in elderly people aged 60 years or above. Moderator variables were also explored.
Research Design and Methods
A databases search (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wangfang) was conducted from the first available date to January 10, 2018. Inclusion criteria include (a) human older adults aged 60 years or above, (b) meditation, Tai Chi, Qigong, or yoga intervention, (c) intervention should be structured, (d) inclusion of a control group, (e) at least one outcome measure of cognition was measured at baseline and post-training, and (f) peer-reviewed journal articles in English or Chinese.
Results
Forty-one studies (N = 3,551) were included in the meta-analysis. In general, meditation and mind–body exercises improve cognition in the elderly people (SMD = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.19 to 0.48), but the cognition-enhancing effects depend on the type of exercise. In addition, cognitive performance is only improved when the length of intervention is longer than 12 weeks, exercise frequency is 3–7 times/week, or duration of an exercise session is 45–60 min/session.
Discussion and Implications
This study suggests that meditation and mind–body exercises are effective to improve cognition of older adults aged 60 years or above, and exercise parameters should be considered for intervention planning.
Research Interests:
We examined the developmental differences in motor control and learning of a two‐segment movement. One hundred and five participants (53 female) were divided into three age groups (7–8 years, 9–10 years and 19–27 years). They performed a... more
We examined the developmental differences in motor control and learning of a two‐segment movement. One hundred and five participants (53 female) were divided into three age groups (7–8 years, 9–10 years and 19–27 years). They performed a two‐segment movement task in four conditions (full vision, fully disturbed vision, disturbed vision in the first movement segment and disturbed vision in the second movement segment). The results for movement accuracy and overall movement time show that children, especially younger children, are more susceptible to visual perturbations than adults. The adults’ movement time in one of the movement segments could be increased by disturbing the vision of the other movement segment. The children's movement time for the second movement segment increased when their vision of the first movement segment was disturbed. Disturbing the vision of the first movement segment decreased the percentage of central control of the second movement in younger children, but not in the other two age groups. The children's normalized jerk was more easily increased by visual perturbations. The children showed greater improvement after practice in the conditions of partial vision disturbance. As the participants’ age increased, practice tended to improve their feedforward motor control rather than their feedback motor control. These results suggest that children's central movement control improves with age and practice. We discuss the theoretical implications and practical significance of the differential effects of visual perturbation and movement segmentation upon motor control and learning from a developmental viewpoint.
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Human aging is a dynamic life-long process and an inevitable experience. As the average age of the world’s population rises, demands for effective geriatric rehabilitation dramatically increase. An important consideration for enhancing... more
Human aging is a dynamic life-long process and an inevitable experience. As the average age of the world’s population rises, demands for effective geriatric rehabilitation dramatically increase. An important consideration for enhancing geriatric behavioral interventions is to better understand aging characteristics in perceptual, cognitive, and motor performances. A general shift in cognitive style from field independence to field dependence has been consistently observed during human aging, as older adults show a greater tendency to rely on environmental information, presumably reflecting a neuro-compensatory mechanism of reducing top-down control and relying instead on bottom-up processing. These changes in cognitive style can impact motor skill learning and relearning and, consequently, affect geriatric rehabilitation and behavioral treatments. In this article, we review research related to the cognitive style of field dependence and independence, and its dynamic associations with aging. We also identify implications of cognitive style for geriatric rehabilitation and explore future research.
Research Interests:
In contemporary society, people experience considerable stress in their daily lives. Therefore, developing effective approaches and convenient means to cope with their mood problems is important nowadays. Physical activity has been... more
In contemporary society, people experience considerable stress in
their daily lives. Therefore, developing effective approaches and
convenient means to cope with their mood problems is important
nowadays. Physical activity has been consistently reported as a cost-effective way to improve physical fitness, prevent mental illnesses,
and alleviate mood problems. In this systematic review, the effects
of exercise intensity, duration, and modality on mood change are
discussed. Results show that moderate-intensity anaerobic exercise is
associated with greater mood improvements. The relationship
between exercise duration and mood change is non-linear; A regime
of 10- to 30-minute exercise is sufficient for mood improvements.
For exercise modality, anaerobic exercise improves mood, but the
efficacy of aerobic and mindfulness-related exercises remains to be
further examined. In addition to the systematic review of potential
moderators, a narrative review of psychological and neurophysiological
theories of exercise effects on mood is provided; we have
highlighted the central role of neuroplasticity in integrating the two
classes of theories. An adoption of neuroimaging techniques in
future research is critical to reveal the mechanisms underpinning the
therapeutic influence of physical activity on affective responses.
Some future research directions are also raised.
their daily lives. Therefore, developing effective approaches and
convenient means to cope with their mood problems is important
nowadays. Physical activity has been consistently reported as a cost-effective way to improve physical fitness, prevent mental illnesses,
and alleviate mood problems. In this systematic review, the effects
of exercise intensity, duration, and modality on mood change are
discussed. Results show that moderate-intensity anaerobic exercise is
associated with greater mood improvements. The relationship
between exercise duration and mood change is non-linear; A regime
of 10- to 30-minute exercise is sufficient for mood improvements.
For exercise modality, anaerobic exercise improves mood, but the
efficacy of aerobic and mindfulness-related exercises remains to be
further examined. In addition to the systematic review of potential
moderators, a narrative review of psychological and neurophysiological
theories of exercise effects on mood is provided; we have
highlighted the central role of neuroplasticity in integrating the two
classes of theories. An adoption of neuroimaging techniques in
future research is critical to reveal the mechanisms underpinning the
therapeutic influence of physical activity on affective responses.
Some future research directions are also raised.
Research Interests:
Alcohol drinking is associated with impaired cognitive and motor performance. This electrophysiological study examined the differences in the preparatory processes preceding motor imagery (visual and kinaesthetic) and execution between... more
Alcohol drinking is associated with impaired cognitive and motor performance. This electrophysiological study examined the differences in the preparatory processes preceding motor imagery (visual and kinaesthetic) and execution between hazardous drinkers and non-hazardous drinking controls. Twenty-two hazardous drinkers and 22 non-hazardous drinking controls were recruited to participate in the study. They were required to produce a three-key response sequence physically or mentally three seconds after the appearance of a corresponding cue. Here we showed significantly smaller amplitudes of both early and late negative contingent variation in hazardous drinkers compared to controls. In addition, the early negative contingent variation preceding motor execution was greater than those in the motor imagery conditions in both groups. Results of this study suggest impairments of attentional control and motor preparation in hazardous drinkers. Preparatory processes of motor execution and motor imagery mainly differ from each other in voluntary attention orientation, but not in motor preparation.
Research Interests:
Objective: Executive functions (EF) impairments have been observed in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the pattern of EF deficits in this population remains unclear. This article aimed to examine the influence of PD on... more
Objective: Executive functions (EF) impairments have been observed in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the pattern of EF deficits in this population remains unclear. This article aimed to examine the influence of PD on different EF domains through meta-analysis of published data. Methods: This article aimed to compare the EFs of PD patients with those of healthy controls (CON) in different EF domains. We searched electronic databases for articles reporting comparisons of EF performance between non-demented/non-depressed PD patients and CON. Accordingly, we identified 140 studies investigating 6 EF domains (attention, inhibition, planning, reasoning, shifting and working memory) in 4683 PD patients and 4247 CON. Results: Results showed that PD patients exhibited impaired attention (Hedges' g=-0.48), inhibition (Hedges' g=-0.48), planning (Hedges' g =-0.49), reasoning (Hedges' g =-0.31), shifting (Hedges' g =-0.55) and working memory (Hedges' g =-0.53). They exhibited a moderately impaired overall EF (Hedges' g =-0.49). EF deficits were not moderated by age, years of education, disease severity, motor deficits, disease duration, medication dose or global cognition. Conclusions: The findings suggest that among PD patients, EFs in which reasoning is least affected are broadly impaired.
Research Interests:
Chronic alcohol intoxication impairs multiple cognitive functions. According to the dual system model (DSM), the development of alcohol dependence (AD) involves the imbalance between the automatic-affective system and the reflective... more
Chronic alcohol intoxication impairs multiple cognitive functions. According to the dual system model (DSM), the development of alcohol dependence (AD) involves the imbalance between the automatic-affective system and the reflective system. However, the cognitive functions of non-AD hazardous drinkers (HDs) remain unclear. The present study aimed to explore how the HDs process facial expressions differently from the healthy subjects. Sixteen HDs and seventeen control subjects (CSs) completed an emotional working memory (WM) task while the electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded. We found that there was no significant group difference in behavioral performance between the two groups. In the ERP data, relative to the CSs, the HDs showed delayed latencies of P1 and N170. Moreover, the CSs showed significant differences between the amplitudes of neural/fear and disgust expressions while these differences were insignificant in the HDs. The current results suggest that the main deficits in the processing of facial expression in HDs existed in the early automatic-affective system instead of in the reflective system. Previous studies suggested that chronic alcohol consumption impairs cognitive functions. For instance, alcohol-dependent (AD) participants not only tended to orient to task-irrelevant stimuli automatically compared with the CSs but also had difficulty in shifting attention back to the task from the distractor 1. Impaired inhibitory control ability was observed in the ADs indexed by a reduced P3 amplitude in the go/no-go task 2. Using the modified Attention Network Test (ANT), Maurage et al. (2014) found that the ADs have a deficient executive attention network 3 , which involves deficits in both of the top-down control of attention and the inhibitory processing of irrelevant stimuli 4. The frontal lobe is particularly vulnerable to alcoholism 5. Previous studies have demonstrated that frontal lobe shrinkage 6 , reduced prefrontal cortex (PFC) activation 7 , and reduced frontal lobe metabolism 8,9 in chronic alcoholics. One of the important cognitive abilities supported by the frontal lobe is working memory (WM) 10 , which is impaired in the Ads, especially in the early abstinence period 11. In addition to the frontal lobe, chronic alcohol intoxication also influences the brain regions associated with emotional processing, such as the limbic circuits including the hippocampus, thalamus, cingulate cortex 12 and the amygdala 13 , thereby contributing to the deficits in emotional abilities, such as empathy 14 , irony understanding 15 , and the decoding of emotional stimuli such as emotional facial expressions 16 or emotional voices 17. Chronic alcoholics showed an increased fear response to all emotional faces 18 and they also showed the tendency to overestimate the intensity of portrayed emotions 19. Nevertheless, the studies aforementioned were all focusing on ADs, and the generalization of these results to those with a less severe alcohol consumption history is not justified. According to the continuum hypothesis, compared to the ADs, the hazardous effects of alcohol intoxication on the cognitive system of non-AD people should be similar in " quality " but less in " quantity " 20. That is, the non-AD hazardous drinkers (HDs) may also
Research Interests:
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a transitional phase between normal cognitive aging and demen-tia. As the world population is aging rapidly, more MCI patients will be identified, posing significant problems to society. Normal aging is... more
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a transitional phase between normal cognitive aging and demen-tia. As the world population is aging rapidly, more MCI patients will be identified, posing significant problems to society. Normal aging is associated with cognitive and motor decline, and MCI brings additional impairments. Compared to healthy older adults, MCI patients show poorer motor control in a variety of tasks. Efficient motor control and skill learning are essential for occupational and leisure purposes; degradation of motor behaviors in MCI patients often adversely affects their health and quality of life. In this article, we first define MCI and describe its pathology and neural correlates. After this, we review cognitive changes and motor control and skill learning in normal aging. This section is followed by a discussion of MCI-related degradation of motor behaviors. Finally, we propose that multicomponent interventions targeting both cognitive and motor domains can improve MCI patients' motor functions. Future research directions are also raised.
Research Interests:
Due to a sedentary lifestyle, more and more people are becoming obese nowadays. In addition to health-related problems, obesity can also impair cognition and motor performance. Previous results have shown that obesity mainly affects... more
Due to a sedentary lifestyle, more and more people are becoming obese nowadays. In addition to health-related problems, obesity can also impair cognition and motor performance. Previous results have shown that obesity mainly affects cognition and motor behaviors through altering brain functions and musculoskeletal system, respectively. Many factors, such as insulin/leptin dysregulation and inflammation, mediate the effect of obesity and cognition and motor behaviors. Substantial evidence has suggested exercise to be an effective way to improve obesity and related cognitive and motor dysfunctions. This paper aims to discuss the association of obesity with cognition and motor behaviors and its underlying mechanisms. Following this, mechanisms of exercise to improve obesity-related dysfunctions are described. Finally, implications and future research direction are raised.
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The goal was to examine whether visuomotor control and choice response time shared age-related developmental trajectories, and if prior computer experience played an important role in control processes. Children (6–7, 8–9, 10–11 yr.),... more
The goal was to examine whether visuomotor control and choice response time shared age-related developmental trajectories, and if prior computer experience played an important role in control processes. Children (6–7, 8–9, 10–11 yr.), younger adults (24 yr.) and older adults (76 yr.) performed the cursor pointing and choice response time (CRT) tasks with a computer mouse. Participants moved the mouse cursor back and forth to click two targets on the screen as fast and accurately as possible. In the CRT, based on visual stimuli, participants moved and clicked one of the three targets on the screen as fast and accurately as possible; the time between stimulus onset and clicking the correct target was recorded as the choice response time. Visuomotor performance increased with age to younger adulthood but was worse in the older adult group. CRT performance was also positively related to age among the groups of children, with scores leveling off in the young adult group. Computer experience was statistically signifi cantly related only to visuomotor control, but not to CRT. Optimal CRT performance required only sub-optimal visuomotor control. Cognitive and sensory age declines may be related to the poorer CRT performance in the oldest age group. Humans undergo drastic developmental changes in cognitive and motor capacities, refl ecting the maturation of the neural and sensory systems throughout the lifespan. In childhood, remarkable gains in cognitive and motor control occur, and can be explained by the maturation of the central nervous system and the increased speed of information process
Research Interests:
Falls, a common cause of injury among older adults, have become increasingly prevalent. As the world's population ages, the increase in—and the prevalence of—falls among older people makes this a serious and compelling societal and... more
Falls, a common cause of injury among older adults, have become increasingly prevalent. As the world's population ages, the increase in—and the prevalence of—falls among older people makes this a serious and compelling societal and healthcare issue. Physical weakness is a critical predictor in falling. While considerable research has examined this relationship, comprehensive reviews of neuropsychological predictors of falls have been lacking. In this paper, we examine and discuss current studies of the neuropsychological predictors of falls in older adults, as related to sporting and non-sporting contexts. By integrating the existing evidence, we propose that brain aging is an important precursor of the increased risk of falls in older adults. Brain aging disrupts the neural integrity of motor outputs and reduces neuropsychological abilities. Older adults may shift from unconscious movement control to more conscious or attentive motor control. Increased understanding of the causes of falls will afford opportunities to reduce their incidence, reduce consequent injuries, improve overall well-being and quality of life, and possibly to prolong life.
Research Interests:
The human brain works as a synergistic system where information exchanges between functional neu-ronal networks. Rudimentary networks are observed in the brain during infancy. In recent years, the question of how functional networks... more
The human brain works as a synergistic system where information exchanges between functional neu-ronal networks. Rudimentary networks are observed in the brain during infancy. In recent years, the question of how functional networks develop and mature in children has been a hotly discussed topic. In this review, we examined the developmental characteristics of functional networks and the impacts of skill training on children's brains. We first focused on the general rules of brain network development and on the typical and atypical development of children's brain networks. After that, we highlighted the essentials of neural plasticity and the effects of learning on brain network development. We also discussed two important theoretical and practical concerns in brain network training. Finally, we concluded by presenting the significance of network training in typically and atypi-cally developed brains.
Research Interests:
Motor skills can be learned by practicing the whole or part of a movement. In whole practice (WP), a skill is acquired by practicing the movement in its entirety, whereas in part practice (PP), a task is learned by practicing its... more
Motor skills can be learned by practicing the whole or part of a movement. In whole practice (WP), a skill is acquired by practicing the movement in its entirety, whereas in part practice (PP), a task is learned by practicing its components before combining them. However, the effectiveness of WP and PP in children is unclear. We, therefore, examined the effects of WP and PP on the learning of juggling among first-, third-, and fifth-graders. Children of each grade were pseudo-randomly assigned to the WP or PP group to learn cascade juggling in 6 days. After baseline assessments, the WP learners practiced three-beanbag juggling. The PP learners practiced one-beanbag juggling on the first 2 days, two-beanbag juggling on the following 2 days, and three-beanbag juggling on the last 2 days. Practice consisted of 40 trials each day. Skill retention and transfer trials (juggling in the opposite direction) were measured 24 h after training (number of catches). There was no significant difference between WP and PP in skill retention (WP: 1.28 ± 0.73; PP: 1.42 ± 046, p = .40) and transfer (WP: 1.31 ± 0.78; PP: 1.37 ± 0.55, p = .49). However, a time  grade  group interaction (p < .001) was observed in retention. Children of different grades received differential benefits from the WP and PP regimens. The fifth-graders learned better using WP, whereas the first-and third-graders showed better learning with PP. We discuss the three possible explanations for the results (neural maturity, explicit learning, and coordination capabilities).
Research Interests:
Finger sequence learning requires visuospatial working memory (WM). However, the dynamics between age, WM training, and motor skill acquisition are unclear. Therefore, we examined how visuospatial WM training improves finger movement... more
Finger sequence learning requires visuospatial working memory (WM). However, the dynamics between age, WM training, and motor skill acquisition are unclear. Therefore, we examined how visuospatial WM training improves finger movement sequential accuracy in younger (n = 26, 21.1 ± 1.37 years) and older adults (n = 22, 70.6 ± 4.01 years). After performing a finger sequence learning exercise and numerical and spatial WM tasks, participants in each age group were randomly assigned to either the experimental (EX) or control (CO) groups. For one hour daily over a 10-day period, the EX group practiced an adaptive n-back spatial task while those in the CO group practiced a non-adaptive version. As a result of WM practice, the EX participants increased their accuracy in the spatial n-back tasks, while accuracy remained unimproved in the numerical n-back tasks. In all groups, reaction times (RT) became shorter in most numerical and spatial n-back tasks. The learners in the EX group — but not in the CO group — showed improvements in their retention of finger sequences. The findings support our hypothesis that computerized visuospatial WM training improves finger sequence learning both in younger and in older adults. We discuss the theoretical implications and clinical relevance of this research for motor learning and functional rehabilitation.
Research Interests:
For more than two decades, there have been extensive studies of experience-based neural plasticity exploring effective applications of brain plasticity for cognitive and motor development. Research suggests that human brains continuously... more
For more than two decades, there have been extensive studies of experience-based neural plasticity exploring effective applications of brain plasticity for cognitive and motor development. Research suggests that human brains continuously undergo structural reorganization and functional changes in response to stimulations or training. From a developmental point of view, the assumption of lifespan brain plasticity has been extended to older adults in terms of the benefits of cognitive training and physical therapy. To summarize recent developments, first, we introduce the concept of neural plasticity from a developmental perspective. Secondly, we note that motor learning often refers to deliberate practice and the resulting performance enhancement and adaptability. We discuss the close interplay between neural plasticity, motor learning and cognitive aging. Thirdly, we review research on motor skill acquisition in older adults with, and without, impairments relative to aging-related cognitive decline. Finally, to enhance future research and application, we highlight the implications of neural plasticity in skills learning and cognitive rehabilitation for the aging population.
Research Interests:
Obesity is a major concern in the aging population and degrades health, motor functions and cognition in older adults. The effects of obesity are pervasive and challenging to health-care systems, making this a widespread and critically... more
Obesity is a major concern in the aging population and degrades health, motor functions and cognition in older adults. The effects of obesity are pervasive and challenging to health-care systems, making this a widespread and critically important public health dilemma. In this review, we examine the relationship between obesity, cognitive aging, and related dysfunctions. Potential neural mechanisms underlying such relationship are described. We propose that cost-effective exercises can be employed to cope with obesity and cognitive declines in older adults. Finally, we discuss implications and future research directions.
Research Interests:
Substantial evidence indicates that declines in cognitive and motor functioning are often observed when we age. The interdependence of cognition and behavior has been reported in a wide range of studies. However, research on the... more
Substantial evidence indicates that declines in cognitive and motor functioning are often observed when we age. The interdependence of cognition and behavior has been reported in a wide range of studies. However, research on the cognitive–motor associations in aging has been lacking. We review behavioral and neural characteristics of cognitive aging in relation to motor aging and aim to elucidate their interrelationships in an aging context. From a developmental view, we propose an integrative concept focusing on the dynamics of cognitive functioning, motor performance and skill acquisition. In the framework, representations and motor learning potential are closely related. and supported by distributed neural systems, which are less susceptible to functional declines in the aging process. Mostly supported by high-level areas, control processes, motor learning efficiency and motor performance are closely related. As high-level areas are more vulnerable during aging, control processes, motor learning efficiency and motor performance are substantially affected when one approaches late adulthood. Practical implications and future research directions are discussed. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; ••: ••–••.
Research Interests:
Recent research using deliberate amplification of spatial errors to increase motor learning leads to the question of whether amplifying temporal errors may also facilitate learning. We investigated transfer effects caused by manipulating... more
Recent research using deliberate amplification of spatial errors to increase motor learning leads to the question of whether amplifying temporal errors may also facilitate learning. We investigated transfer effects caused by manipulating temporal constraints on learning a two-choice reaction time (CRT) task with varying degrees of stimulus-response compatibility. Thirty-four participants were randomly assigned to one of the three groups and completed 120 trials during acquisition. For every fourth trial, one group was instructed to decrease CRT by 50 msec. relative to the previous trial and a second group was instructed to increase CRT by 50 msec. The third group (the control) was told not to change their responses. After a 5-min. break, participants completed a 40-trial no-feedback transfer test. A 40-trial delayed transfer test was administered 24 hours later. During acquisition, the Decreased Reaction Time group responded faster than the two other groups, but this group also made more errors than the other two groups. In the 5-min. delayed test (immediate transfer), the Decreased Reaction Time group had faster reaction times than the other two groups, while for the 24-hr. delayed test (delayed transfer), both the Decreased Reaction Time group and Increased Reaction Time group had significantly faster reaction times than the control. For delayed transfer, both Decreased and Increased Reaction Time groups reacted significantly faster than the control group. Analyses of error scores in the transfer tests indicated revealed no significant group differences. Results were discussed with regard to the notion of practice variability and goal-setting benefits.
Research Interests:
Age-related differences in rare-target search are primarily ex- plained by the speed-accuracy trade-o , primed responses, or decision making. The goal was to examine how motor inhibition influences visual search. Children pressed a key... more
Age-related differences in rare-target search are primarily ex- plained by the speed-accuracy trade-o , primed responses, or decision making. The goal was to examine how motor inhibition influences visual search. Children pressed a key when a rare target was detected. On no-target trials, children with- held reactions. Response time (RT), hits, misses, correct rejection, and false alarms were measured. Tapping tests assessed motor control. Older children tapped faster, were more sensitive to rare targets (higher d’), and reacted more slowly than young- er ones. Girls outperformed boys in search sensitivity but not in RT. Motor speed was closely associated with hit rate and RT. Results suggest that development of inhibitory control plays a key role in visual detection. The potential implications for cognitive-motor development and individual differences are discussed.
Research Interests:
Objective: This study investigated the effects of fencing expertise and physical fitness on the inhibitory control of fencers and non-fencers. Design: This study used a 2 x 2 factorial design. Fencers and non-fencers both in low-fit and... more
Objective: This study investigated the effects of fencing expertise and physical fitness on the inhibitory control of fencers and non-fencers.
Design: This study used a 2 x 2 factorial design. Fencers and non-fencers both in low-fit and averagely-fit subgroups were compared in reaction times (RT) and accuracy in simple reaction time (SRT) and go/no- go reaction time (go/no-go RT) tasks.
Method: The participants were 30 fencers (aged 18-26) and 30 non-fencers (aged 19-25), each having a different fitness level. With a standard computer keyboard, each participant performed an SRT task by responding to all stimuli. In the go/no-go RT task, each participant responded only to the go signals while withholding their response to the no-go signals.
Results: There were no significant differences between the participants with different levels of fitness or fencing expertise in SRT, go/no-go RT, omission error and commission error. However, an interaction of fitness and fencing expertise on commission error was found (p < .05). Averagely-fit fencers committed a similar number of errors to the averagely-fit non-fencers, but the high-fit fencers committed significantly fewer errors compared to the high-fit non-fencers (p < .05).
Conclusions: Fencing experience and physical fitness facilitate a person’s ability to withhold action when necessary. The interactive nature of aerobic fitness and sport expertise on action inhibition suggests that cognitive control benefits most from the combination of physical and mental training compared to when each is administered singly.
Design: This study used a 2 x 2 factorial design. Fencers and non-fencers both in low-fit and averagely-fit subgroups were compared in reaction times (RT) and accuracy in simple reaction time (SRT) and go/no- go reaction time (go/no-go RT) tasks.
Method: The participants were 30 fencers (aged 18-26) and 30 non-fencers (aged 19-25), each having a different fitness level. With a standard computer keyboard, each participant performed an SRT task by responding to all stimuli. In the go/no-go RT task, each participant responded only to the go signals while withholding their response to the no-go signals.
Results: There were no significant differences between the participants with different levels of fitness or fencing expertise in SRT, go/no-go RT, omission error and commission error. However, an interaction of fitness and fencing expertise on commission error was found (p < .05). Averagely-fit fencers committed a similar number of errors to the averagely-fit non-fencers, but the high-fit fencers committed significantly fewer errors compared to the high-fit non-fencers (p < .05).
Conclusions: Fencing experience and physical fitness facilitate a person’s ability to withhold action when necessary. The interactive nature of aerobic fitness and sport expertise on action inhibition suggests that cognitive control benefits most from the combination of physical and mental training compared to when each is administered singly.