Validation of fNIRS to Study Cognitive Reserve Enhancement in Older Adults Residing in Rural Environments Participating in a Combined Physical Activity and Socialization Program.

This study continues the MUSSOL project. In Catalan, Mussol is a word meaning “owl”, the nocturnal bird of prey, and it is also used colloquially to describe individuals who live alone. The MUSSOL-2 project aims to evaluate whether combining physical activity and socialization preserves or enhances cognitive functions in individuals aged 65 and older residing in rural areas. This 36-month experimental longitudinal study will involve 20 participants divided into two groups based on different levels of physical activity aptitudes. The methodology incorporates comprehensive initial and final cognitive assessments using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In situ brain health monitoring will be performed with portable functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) devices, which measure changes in oxygenated (HbO) and deoxygenated (HbR) hemoglobin concentration to infer neuronal activity. The portability of fNIRS is critical for research in rural environments. Additionally, physiological data will be collected via smartwatches, with contextual information, and also gathered through adapted questionnaires and an app. The study seeks to validate fNIRS as a tool to verify the impact of combined activities on cognitive reserve enhancement. A key challenge is correlating longitudinal fNIRS data with fMRI data. The data will be analysed anonymously, using statistical analysis software to identify significant correlations between variables. The study incorporates a gender perspective through a balanced sample and inclusive design to minimize bias. The expected impact covers scientific, clinical, social, and technological domains, focusing on knowledge of cognitive reserve and fNIRS data interpretation.