Motor-Cognitive Neural Network Communication Underlies Walking Speed in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Poole, Victoria N.; Lo, On‐Yee; Wooten, Thomas; Iloputaife, Ikechukwu; Lipsitz, Lewis A.; Esterman, Michael · 2019 · OpenAlex-citations

DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2019.00159

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Summary

This study investigates the neural mechanisms underlying walking speed and dual-task cost (DTC) in community-dwelling older adults, addressing the gap in understanding how intrinsic brain network communication relates to mobility. While walking is often viewed as automated, it increasingly relies on higher-level cognitive processes with age, particularly when performing concurrent tasks. The authors hypothesized that connectivity within sensorimotor networks would correlate with preferred walking speed, while interactions involving executive and attention networks would predict performance during dual-task conditions. The research utilized data from the MOBILIZE Boston Study, involving 50 older adults (mean age 84 years) who underwent resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) and gait assessments. Participants walked at their preferred pace and while performing a serial subtraction task to induce cognitive load. Gait speed and DTC (the percentage decrease in speed during the dual task) were measured using a GaitRite mat. rs-fMRI data were processed to calculate functional connectivity within and between seven cortical networks (including sensorimotor, dorsal/ventral attention, executive control, and limbic networks) using a 100-region parcellation atlas. Statistical models adjusted for age and scanner differences, employing permutation tests to control for multiple comparisons. The results demonstrated that faster preferred walking speed was associated with increased connectivity within the sensorimotor and dorsal attention networks, as well as stronger connectivity between the sensorimotor network and both dorsal and ventral attention networks. Conversely, faster walking correlated with decreased connectivity between the limbic network and motor/cognitive networks. During the dual-task condition, faster walking was further linked to increased connectivity between the ventral attention and executive control networks. Regarding DTC, lower costs (less slowing) were associated with stronger within-sensorimotor connectivity and increased connectivity between the ventral attention and executive control networks. These findings indicate that mobility in older adults depends on the integrity of motor networks and their efficient communication with higher-order cognitive networks, particularly those governing attention and executive function. The study suggests that slower walking and greater dual-task costs are linked to excessive connectivity with the limbic network, potentially reflecting interference from emotional or caution-related processes. The authors conclude that these neural markers could inform non-invasive interventions, such as brain stimulation or motor-cognitive training, to improve mobility and reduce fall risk in aging populations.

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• cognitive impairment