In an experiment involving sixty elderly men and women, researchers conducted three sessions of magnetic resonance imaging during physical activity. To adjust the results, specialists took into account the gender and muscle mass of the participants. "It's like creating a map of neural connections in the brain to understand which of them influence grip strength. One of the most prominent signals was the network associated with the caudate nucleus," said researcher Amin Ghaffari. The detection of increased blood flow and strong connections in this area indicated a stronger grip.
According to the findings, in addition to the caudate nucleus, the centers responsible for memory, emotions, and attention also influence hand strength, although their impact was found to be less significant. For the first time, scientists were able to observe these processes during physical exertion, unlike previous studies that focused on the state of tissues at rest. "This could help doctors identify frailty earlier by analyzing brain activity before strength loss begins," the authors of the study suggested. Frailty affects not only physical condition but also cognitive functions, making recovery from illnesses and injuries more difficult.
Understanding the connection between physical strength and brain networks could lead to the development of new diagnostic tools and training programs aimed at slowing down the aging process. "Just as we can strengthen muscles through exercise, it may also be possible to strengthen neural connections through targeted interventions," the researchers added. They hope that this discovery will allow for more accurate predictions and mitigation of the effects of aging in the future. "We view aging as a process, not a one-time event," the specialists concluded.
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