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Age differences and changes in midline-crossing inhibition in the lower extremities
J A Lombardi1, P Surburg, S Eklund
1Department of Kinesiology, School of Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, USA. jlombard@marauder.millersv.edu
Summary
Older adults show slower reaction times when crossing the body midline. Midline-crossing inhibition effects reemerge in individuals 65 and older, impacting lower extremity movements.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Biomechanics
- Motor Control
Background:
- Investigated the impact of crossing the body midline on lower extremity function in older adults.
- Examined age-related changes in motor control and reaction times.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine how crossing the body midline affects lower extremity movements in individuals aged 65 and older.
- To compare motor responses in younger and older adult populations.
Main Methods:
- Recruited three age groups: 20-35 years, 65-79 years, and 80+ years.
- Subjects performed ipsilateral, contralateral, and midline leg movements over two days (2 sets of 30 trials per leg).
- Measured reaction time and movement time for all trials.
Main Results:
- Individuals 65+ exhibited slower reaction times for contralateral movements compared to ipsilateral movements.
- Individuals 80+ showed slower reaction times for contralateral movements versus midline and ipsilateral movements.
- Slower reaction times were observed in older adults for midline-crossing tasks.
Conclusions:
- Midline-crossing inhibition effects on lower extremities reappear in adults aged 65 and older.
- This contrasts with early development, where midline-crossing inhibition diminishes by age 8-9.
- Age-related decline in motor control affects the ability to inhibit midline-crossing movements.