Brain Stimulation and Coaching Boost Seniors' Daily Physical Activity

A groundbreaking study published in The Journals of Gerontology: Series A reveals that a novel combination of brain stimulation and personalized coaching has successfully doubled the daily step count of older adults. Conducted by researchers at the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research at Hebrew SeniorLife, the randomized trial demonstrated that inactive seniors who received transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) alongside individualized behavioral coaching increased their average daily steps by 1,179, more than twice the increase compared to those receiving placebo stimulation.

This innovative approach is particularly significant for older adults living in subsidized housing, where barriers to physical activity, such as depression and lack of motivation, are prevalent. According to Dr. On-Yee (Amy) Lo, Assistant Scientist II at Hebrew SeniorLife, “Helping older adults build and maintain healthy habits is notoriously difficult, especially in underserved communities.” The study highlights the potential of tDCS to enhance motivation and sustain behavior change, crucial for this demographic at high risk for inactivity-related health decline.

The trial involved 10 brief sessions of tDCS, administered over two weeks, targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain associated with motivation and goal-directed behavior. Participants also engaged in a two-month personalized behavioral program that included regular check-ins from physical therapists, setting individualized step goals, and practical strategies to promote increased movement.

Remarkably, adherence rates were high, with 97% of tDCS sessions and 93% of coaching sessions completed. Even after the intervention ended, participants maintained their increased activity levels, indicating that the behavioral changes were likely to be lasting. The study’s findings are encouraging, particularly given that over 85% of adults aged 65 and above do not meet federal physical activity guidelines.

The authors of the study caution that further research is necessary to confirm these initial findings and to explore the impact of cognitive function, baseline activity levels, and social support on outcomes. Nevertheless, the evidence suggests that combining brain stimulation with behavioral coaching could serve as a promising model for future community-based interventions aimed at increasing physical activity among older adults.

The research team also included Levi Ask, Melike Kahya, PT, PhD, Thomas Travison, PhD, Lewis Lipsitz, MD, and Brad Manor, PhD, all affiliated with the Marcus Institute at Hebrew SeniorLife. The study titled 'Modulating Brain Activity to Improve Goal-directed Physical Activity in Older Adults: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial' was published in June 2025 and represents a significant step in the ongoing quest to improve health outcomes for seniors. As noted by the researchers, the approach could pave the way for innovative strategies that address inactivity among older populations, particularly in settings that facilitate access to health interventions.