Caudate Nucleus Blood Flow and Connectivity Correlate with Grip Strength
Researchers here identify a correlation between grip strength and the functional connectome and blood supply of the caudate nucleus region of the brain in older adults. Many aspects of aging correlate with one another even if they do not interact directly, as any given specific form of age-related damage and dysfunction tends to affect many organs and systems in the body. Think of the effects of chronic inflammatory signaling, for example. It is interesting to consider whether there could be a role for the aging of the caudate nucleus in determining loss of muscle mass and strength, but that would be the subject of further research; it isn't obvious at all from what is presently known of the caudate nucleus as to how this connection could work.
Researchers used functional MRI scans to measure brain activity in older adults as they performed a maximum grip strength test. What the researchers found surprised them. Among the dozens of brain areas monitored, one emerged as the strongest predictor of grip strength: the caudate nucleus. Tucked deep in the brain, the caudate is known for helping manage movement and decision-making. But its role in muscular strength, and its potential to signal frailty, has until now gone largely unnoticed.
The researchers analyzed scans from 60 older adults. The study group comprised half men and half women, and all completed three sessions of functional MRI while undergoing strength testing. To ensure they were isolating brain effects from other factors like body size, the data was normalized to account for differences in sex and muscle mass. The result was a statistically significant correlation between brain network patterns and grip performance. Stronger blood flow and greater connectivity of the functional connectome in the caudate nucleus matched higher grip strength, independent of gender.