Neurological Mapping of Age-Related Motor Pathways (NeuroMAP)

Ageing is associated with a progressive decline in muscle force production, which extends beyond muscle atrophy to encompass neural mechanisms that regulate motor output. While previous research has predominantly focused on the corticospinal tract (CST), emerging evidence suggests that subcortical pathways, particularly the reticulospinal tract (RST), play a key role in the age-related deterioration of muscle strength. Despite its significance, the function of the RST in ageing humans remains largely unexplored, primarily due to a lack of established methodologies for its investigation. This project, Neurological Mapping of Age-Related Motor Pathways (NeuroMAP), aims to identify and characterise the neural mechanisms underlying the decline in muscle force production in aging individuals. By integrating advanced neurophysiological techniques; including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), high-density electromyography (HD-EMG), and auditory stimulation protocols; this research will provide a comprehensive assessment of how both corticospinal and reticulospinal pathways contribute to motor control impairments with advancing age. Additionally, it will examine the extent to which lifelong physical activity, such as participation in Masters/Senior athletics, influences neuromuscular plasticity and preserves motor function in older adults. The research is structured around three core objectives. First, it seeks to map age-related neural adaptations by employing multimodal neurophysiological techniques to delineate the functional contributions of descending motor pathways to muscle force regulation. Second, it will track longitudinal changes in non-corticospinal pathways to determine their role in strength decline over time. Finally, the study will evaluate the neuroprotective effects of sustained physical activity, elucidating its potential to mitigate age-related neuromuscular impairments. By generating age-specific neurophysiological data, this study will contribute to a more nuanced understanding of neural aging and its implications for motor function. The findings will not only inform rehabilitation strategies for older adults but also aid in the development of next-generation neurotechnology solutions, including neural prostheses and brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) tailored for aging populations. This research addresses a critical gap in ageing and motor control literature, offering novel insights with far-reaching implications for clinical practice, public health, and biomedical innovation.