Event-related potential study of aging effects on feedback processing when learning a reaching task

Abstract

Effects of aging on feedback processing when learning a reaching task were assessed by feedback-related negativity (FRN) and the frontal N1 of event-related potentials (ERPs). Younger (n = 26, mean age 24 years) and older adults (n=20, mean age 71 years) performed an arm-reaching movement to reach for a target button located at the center of a console of 49 buttons (7 × 7) hidden by a feedback board. Participants were provided with visual feedback on their success or failure. Results indicated lower success rates for older than for younger adults. There were no age-related difference in FRN, whereas N1 was enhanced in older adults irrespective of success, or failure feedback. The enhancement of N1 suggests that older participants paid more attention to compensate for their impairment in feedback processing ability.