Cognitive–motor interactions in aging: neural mechanisms, behavioral signatures, and functional consequences

The fields of motor control and cognitive psychology have been traditionally separate, but research has fundamentally reshaped this distinction. We now understand that motor control and cognitive functions are inextricably linked, sharing neural pathways and competing for limited resources, especially in aging. As neural efficiency declines in aging, there is a tradeoff between using resources to support motor performance and cognitive function. For example, older adults often display reduced performance on complex tasks due to cognitive-motor interference, compared to younger adults. Understanding the mechanisms behind this shift is critical for distinguishing between healthy aging and early-stage neurodegeneration. It will also facilitate the development of interventions aimed at preserving functional independence.This Research Topic aims to bridge the gap between cognitive neuroscience of aging and motor control. We seek to explore how the aging brain manages the demands of simultaneous cognitive and motor tasks (e.g., walking while talking or navigating complex environments). We are also interested in how cognitive processes contribute to motor behaviors (e.g., learning a new motor skill).We welcome contributions that utilize diverse neuroimaging methodologies—including EEG, fNIRS, fMRI, and non-invasive brain stimulation—to map the neural signatures of cognitive-motor interactions. Furthermore, we are interested in behavioral studies that identify biomarkers or physiological signatures of decline that precede overt clinical symptoms. This collection will synthesize current knowledge on how these interactions dictate functional consequences for gross and fine motor behaviors, such as fall risk, mobility, manual dexterity, etc. The ultimate goal of this collection is to consider how cognitive-motor interactions impact quality of life in older populations.We invite Original Research, Meta-analyses, and Review articles using cross-sectional, longitudinal, cohort studies, or randomized control trials. Studies should be focused on older adults, or comparisons between age groups, either targeting healthy aging or neurological conditions associated with age. Topics covering, but not limited to, the following themes will be considered:- Functional and structural imaging related to cognitive-motor integration in older adults.- Dual-Task studies on the coordination of resources between cognitive functions and motor behaviors, broadly defined.- Evidence for compensation or neural efficiency in the context of motor performance.- Identifying behavioral (e.g., kinematic or cognitive), and physiological markers that predict transition from healthy aging to cognitive impairment, or lead to real-world functional impacts in fall risk, mobility, manual dexterity, etc.- Intervention studies aimed at improving cognitive-motor resilience, such as dual-task training and neuromodulation (e.g., tDCS).- The use of technologies in ecologically valid settings to compensate for cognitive-motor impairments in older adults such as wearable sensors and mobile brain imaging (MoBI). Topic editors: Kevin Trewartha, Sarah Fraser Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79804/cognitive-motor-interactions-in-aging-neural-mechanisms-behavioral-signatures-and-functional-consequences