The comparative effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over motor cortex and cerebellum on the motor learning in the elderly adults

The comparative effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over motor cortex and cerebellum on the motor learning in the elderly adults

Clinical trial with parallel control group, double blind, randomized, single center trial, Sample size 75 people.

Neuromuscular Rehabilitation Research Center Semnan University of Medical Sciences. participants perform the serial task in the shortest possible time with their dominant right hand. People are not given prior information about the order of doing the task. Then, according to the treatment protocol, they are subjected to magnetic stimulation on the motor cortex area and cerebellum.

Inclusion criteria: Elderly people (60-75 years old); The dominant hand of people should be the right hand. Exclusion Criteria: History of neurological diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, schizophrenia; Any symptoms of forgetfulness and depression; Having vision, hearing and dizziness disorders; Having symptoms of radiculopathy, carpal tunnel syndrome in the right hand; History of psychological diseases.

In three group, participants perform the serial task in the shortest possible time with their dominant right hand. People are not given prior information about the order of doing the task. Intervention group 1: Each of the participants after completing the serial task, according to the treatment protocol, they are subjected to magnetic stimulation on the motor cortex area. Intervention group 2: Each of the participants after completing the serial task, according to the treatment protocol, they are subjected to magnetic stimulation on the cerebellum area. Control group: Only for comparison with intervention group, no treatment is performed.

Movement learning, Number of errors.

We will construct 6 blocks in AABB, BBAA, ABAB, BABA, ABBA, and BAAB using four blocks. We will assign 1 to 6 for each block. Then, using the random number table, based on the sample size, 19 units of 4 blocks will be selected so that we consider having 25 people in the group (A), 25 people in the group (B) and 25 people in the group (C). Therefore, we will do block randomization.

This study is double blind. Researcher who complete questionnaire and analyzer and participant will be blind (double blind). Outcome assessor and analyzer and participants will not be aware from grouping.The person evaluating the outcome will be unaware of the grouping. Definition of groups A, B and C will be available to analyzer and outcome assessor.