RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Influence of Physical Exercise on Neuroplasticity and Sensorimotor Networks in Older Adults

This study is exploring how a single session of moderate exercise, sometimes combined with a mild brain stimulation called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), affects the brain's ability to adapt and change (neuroplasticity) in older adults. As we get older, our brains can become less able to make these changes, which can impact movement and coordination. Exercise is thought to help. Researchers want to compare these effects in older adults to those in younger adults. By understanding how exercise and tDCS work together to improve brain function, this research could lead to new ways to help older people maintain their movement and independence as they age.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Universite du Littoral Cote d'Opale

Enrolment target

Start

04 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2026

tDCS Physical Activity + tDCS Physical Inactivity + tDCS

What is this study about?

This study aims to understand how exercise and a special type of gentle brain stimulation, called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), can help older adults keep their brains agile and able to learn new things. As we get older, our brains naturally change, sometimes making it harder to learn new movements or adapt to new situations. This natural process is called neuroplasticity – it's like the brain's ability to rewire itself. Exercise is known to be good for the brain, and researchers wonder if combining it with tDCS can give an extra boost.

The main goal is to see if a single session of moderate exercise makes the tDCS brain stimulation even more effective in boosting brain 'rewiring' in older adults. They'll also compare these effects to what happens in younger adults. This is important because if we can find ways to protect and improve brain flexibility, it could help older people maintain good movement, balance, and independence for longer.

To do this, healthy young and older adults will each take part in three sessions. In some sessions, they'll do moderate exercise (like cycling) before receiving tDCS. In others, they'll rest quietly before tDCS, or just do exercise alone without the stimulation. Before and after each session, researchers will use special brain scans (like transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS) to see how the brain has changed and adapted.

Key takeaways

This study explores how exercise and gentle brain stimulation (tDCS) affect brain health.
It aims to boost the brain's ability to adapt and change (neuroplasticity) in older adults.
Researchers will compare effects in older and younger adults.
Participation involves three visits with moderate exercise and/or tDCS.
The goal is to find new ways to help older people maintain movement and independence.
It could inform future strategies for healthy brain aging.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be a healthy man or woman between 20 and 35 years old, or between 65 and 80 years old. You'll need to be able to understand and speak French well enough to follow the study instructions and sign a consent form. You also need to be covered by a social security system.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. These include having certain mental health or neurological conditions like epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, or Alzheimer's. You also can't participate if you have any metal in your head, like a cochlear implant or certain medical devices such as a pacemaker, or if you are taking certain mental health medications. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, and anyone unable to do moderate physical activity, also cannot take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 20-35 or 65-80 years old?
Are you generally healthy and able to do moderate exercise?
Do you speak and understand French well?
Do you have no history of significant neurological or mental health conditions?
Do you have no metal implants or pacemakers in your body?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you will have three separate visits, each at least one week apart. During these visits, you'll be asked to do one of three things: either 20 minutes of moderate cycling followed by tDCS (a gentle brain stimulation), or 20 minutes of sitting quietly followed by tDCS, or just 20 minutes of moderate cycling alone. The order of the first two conditions will be decided randomly.

Before and after each of these activities, researchers will use special equipment, called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), to check how your brain and muscles are responding and changing. There are no medications involved in this study. Each session will focus on measuring brain activity. The total duration of your participation will depend on how quickly you complete the three sessions, which will be spread out over a few weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

Through this study, researchers hope to learn more about how exercise and brain stimulation can help maintain brain function in older adults, which could lead to better strategies for healthy aging in the future. As a participant, you'll contribute to important scientific knowledge. The procedures, such as moderate exercise and tDCS, are generally considered safe, but there's a small chance of mild side effects like slight dizziness from exercise or a tingling sensation from tDCS. TMS can cause a twitching sensation in the muscle being stimulated. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Eurasport
Verified postcode
Loos, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is tDCS?

tDCS stands for transcranial direct current stimulation. It's a gentle, non-invasive way to stimulate the brain using very mild electrical currents, often described as a tingling sensation.

What is 'neuroplasticity'?

Neuroplasticity is your brain's amazing ability to change, adapt, and rewire itself throughout your life. It's how your brain learns new things and recovers from injuries.

Will I have to do a lot of exercise?

No, the exercise will be a single session of moderate cycling for 20 minutes. It's not meant to be strenuous.

What is TMS?

TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is a way for researchers to measure how your brain talks to your muscles. It uses magnetic pulses to briefly stimulate a part of your brain.

How many times will I visit?

You will need to attend three separate study visits, each spaced at least one week apart.

How to find out more

Hervé Devanne, Pr

herve.devanne@univ-littoral.fr +33 6 76 32 12 84 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.