Investigating the influence of paired-associative stimulation on multi-session skill acquisition and retention in older adults

Abstract

ObjectivePriming non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) can improve motor learning in the elderly, but it remains unclear how benefits observed in a single training session translate to multiple training sessions. The current study therefore examined the influence of priming NIBS on acquisition and retention of a novel motor skill over sequential training days in older adults. MethodsIn 30 older adults (68.2 ± 5.3 years, 14 females), paired-associative stimulation (PAS) was applied prior to visuomotor training on 3 consecutive days. The interstimulus interval used for PAS was either 10 ms (PASLTD) or 100 ms (PASControl) and long-term retention was assessed by quantifying motor performance 7 days after the final training session. ResultsDuring training, skill progressively increased across sessions (P < 0.0001), but this was not different between PASLTD and PASControl (P > 0.1). In contrast, the magnitude of skill retained 7 days after training was significantly greater in the PASLTD group (P = 0.02), suggesting significantly greater long-term retention of the trained skill. ConclusionsPASLTD over multiple sessions may represent an effective tool to help maintain newly learned motor skills in older adults. SignificanceWhile multisession priming with PAS can influence long-term skill retention, improving skill acquisition requires investigation of alternative protocols.