Brain Plasticity and Motor Practice in Cognitive Aging

Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience

John S.Y. eChan²  Kaiping ePeng³  Liuyang eCai³  Jin H Yan³ 

[1] Shenzhen University;The Chinese University of Hong Kong;Tsinghua University;

关键词: skill acquisition;    cognitive development;    Motor performance;    Geriatric rehabilitation;    Movement-dependent neural plasticity;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fnagi.2014.00031

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

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.

【 授权许可】

Unknown