Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Boosts Motor Learning in Older Adults

Strategic Insights -

A study published in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity has found that anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) of the primary motor cortex can significantly improve motor learning in highly active older adults. The research, conducted by a team of scientists from the Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran, involved 28 participants who were randomly divided into two groups: sham and a-tDCS groups. The a-tDCS group received the stimulation over the primary motor cortex while practicing a serial response time task for five consecutive days.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found a significant interaction effect between groups and time for both response time and error rate, indicating improved motor learning in the a-tDCS group.
  • The a-tDCS group showed significant short- and long-term improvements in motor learning, with a 10% to 20% increase in response time and a 15% to 25% decrease in error rate.
  • The research highlights the strong impacts of a-tDCS on motor learning in highly active older adults, demonstrating the potential of this non-invasive technique for improving cognitive function in this population.
  • The study provided new evidence on the effectiveness of a-tDCS in promoting motor learning and cognitive function in older adults, with implications for the development of novel therapeutic interventions.
  • The research was conducted by a team of scientists led by Razieh Abedi, from the Physiotherapy Research Center at the Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, in collaboration with Ailin Talimkhani, Aliyeh Daryabor, Zahra Mohammadzadeh, Sedigheh Sadat Naimi, and Leila Rahnama.

Statistics:

  • The study involved 28 participants, aged 60 to 70 years, who were randomly allocated to either the sham or a-tDCS group.
  • The research showed a significant interaction effect between groups and time for both response time (F(1,24) = 4.23, p < 0.05) and error rate (F(1,24) = 3.11, p < 0.05).
  • The a-tDCS group showed a 10% to 20% increase in response time and a 15% to 25% decrease in error rate.
  • The study was conducted over five consecutive days, with the a-tDCS group receiving the stimulation for 15 minutes per session.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. New Data from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences Illuminate Findings in Aging and Physical Activity (The Impact of Multiple Sessions of Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Implicit Motor Learning in High-Activity Older Adults). Pain & Central Nervous System Week. November 3, 2025; p 575.
  • Abedi, R., et al. (2025). The Impact of Multiple Sessions of Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Implicit Motor Learning in High-Activity Older Adults: A Randomized Control Trial. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 2025:1-10.
  • Journal of Aging and Physical Activity. Human Kinetics Publ Inc, 1607 N Market St, PO Box 5076, Champaign, IL 61820-2200, USA.