High-Intensity Exercise Impact on Motor Learning in Older Adults Revealed
A pioneering study, published in the npj Science of Learning journal, unveils fascinating insights into the effects of high-intensity exercise on motor learning among older adults.
Led by Eleanor M. Taylor and her team, the research involved twenty-four healthy adults aged 55 to 75 years. Participants were randomly assigned to either an exercise or active rest group. During the experimental session, individuals engaged in a 20-minute bout of high-intensity interval exercise (HIIT) or an equivalent period of active rest, followed by a sequential force grip task to assess motor skill acquisition.
Contrary to initial expectations, exercise was found to be linked with reduced accuracy during the skill acquisition phase, particularly among older participants. However, the study revealed a significant silver lining – individuals who exercised showed notable improvements in motor skill retention compared to their rested counterparts.
These findings challenge conventional wisdom and highlight the complex relationship between exercise and cognitive function, especially in aging populations. By shedding light on the potential benefits of high-intensity exercise in facilitating motor skill retention, this research paves the way for innovative approaches to motor rehabilitation in older adults. The paper ‘High-intensity acute exercise impacts motor learning in healthy older adults’ is published in npj Science of Learning.
