The Role of GABA-mediated Inhibition in Multisensory Temporal Processing & Postural Control in Older Adults

Sponsor
University of Nevada, Reno
Study ID
NCT03328455
Status
Not Yet Recruiting

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Conditions

  • Healthy Aging

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
20 Years - 80 Years
Healthy Volunteers
Accepted

Interventions

  • Inhibitory control training — BEHAVIORAL
    Cognitive training is inhibitory task-related.
  • Knowledge-based training — BEHAVIORAL
    Training is not inhibitory task-related.

Study Details

In recent years evidence has accumulated on the association between age-related decline in multisensory temporal processing and postural control. This proposed project aims at examining GABA-mediated inhibition as the potential mechanism behind this link. Our overarching hypothesis is that changes in the excitatory-inhibitory balance with a reduction of GABAergic inhibition is a common mechanism underlying age-related multisensory and postural deficits potentially mediated by age-related reduction in network segregation. To test this hypothesis, we will assess the relationship between age-related multisensory/postural deficits and age-related reduction in GABA concentration in related brain areas and probe the role of GABA-mediated inhibition using cognitive training that specifically targets inhibitory functions. Our multimodal approach is innovative, and findings from this study has the potential to lead to the development of safe and effective rehabilitation protocols for older adults with impaired multisensory temporal integration and postural control.

Key Dates

First listed
Nov 1, 2017
Start date
Dec 1, 2027
Status verified
Apr 2026
Primary completion
Nov 30, 2030
Completion
Nov 30, 2031

Study Design

Enrollment
50 participants (estimated)
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE

Arms

  • Experimental: Inhibitory control training
    In the inhibitory control training condition, participants will be trained with tasks that involve both response withholding and rule switching. For example, participants will sort polygons based on features (e.g., shape or color) and will be asked to either provide or withhold sorting responses when presented with different cues. Rule-switching is introduced when participants must inhibit the "rule" used in the previous trial set and change the focus of their attention to a new sorting and/or inhibitory rule. Task difficulty will progressively increase over the course of training based on participants' abilities.
  • Sham Comparator: knowledge-based training
    The knowledge-based training condition serves as the control, in which participants will be presented with questions from different categories such as vocabulary, science, or geography and asked to select the correct answer from 4 alternatives within a certain time limit. Task difficulty will progressively increase over the course of training based on participants' abilities.

Primary Outcome Measure

Multisensory temporal processing performance change [ Time Frame: At the end of 20-day training ]

Central Contacts

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