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Mechanisms controlling head stabilization in the elderly during random rotations in the vertical plane
1Sensory Motor Performance Program, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, IL 60611, USA. eak@nwu.edu
Journal of Motor Behavior
|December 1, 1996
Summary
Elderly individuals exhibit impaired head stabilization due to age-related sensory changes, leading to reduced voluntary control and increased instability, especially without visual cues.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Head stabilization relies on complex sensorimotor mechanisms.
- Aging impacts sensory systems and motor control, potentially affecting head stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare head stabilization mechanisms between elderly and young adults.
- To investigate the influence of vision and cognitive load on head stabilization in aging.
Main Methods:
- Recorded head angular velocity and neck muscle EMG during pseudorandom trunk rotations.
- Tested voluntary stabilization with and without visual feedback.
- Assessed reflex mechanisms under cognitive distraction in darkness.
Main Results:
- Elderly subjects showed diminished voluntary head stabilization, particularly without vision.
- Cognitive distraction further impaired head stabilization in the elderly.
- Age-related decrements were more pronounced in older elderly individuals, with a resonant head response observed.
Conclusions:
- Aging significantly impairs head stabilization mechanisms, shifting control from reflexes to less effective system mechanics.
- Age-related sensory changes compromise the ability to compensate for disturbances, resulting in head instability in the elderly.