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Effect of aging on the coordination between equilibrium and movement: what changes?
S Vernazza-Martin1, V Tricon, N Martin
1Laboratoire Sport et Culture EA2931, UFR STAPS Paris X Nanterre, Bât S, 200 avenue de la République, 92001, Nanterre, France. sylvie-martin@freesurf.fr
Experimental Brain Research
|March 19, 2008
Summary
Aging affects trunk movement coordination, not by impairing equilibrium, but through "over control." This suggests an early decline in simplifying movement and balance coordination strategies.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Gerontology
- Motor Control
Background:
- Aging impacts motor control and balance.
- Understanding age-related changes in movement coordination is crucial for fall prevention and maintaining mobility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of aging on the coordination between equilibrium and trunk movement.
- To identify early signs of age-related changes in motor control strategies.
Main Methods:
- Studied trunk flexion and stabilization in young and middle-aged adults.
- Assessed equilibrium control via center of mass shift.
- Analyzed muscle activity using electromyography.
- Quantified kinematic strategies using principal component analysis of joint angles.
Main Results:
- Aging effects on movement coordination are detectable early.
- Older adults exhibit
- over control" rather than deteriorated equilibrium.
- Kinematic strategies and central motor commands are modified with age.
Conclusions:
- Early aging is characterized by altered, not deteriorated, equilibrium and movement coordination.
- The observed changes reflect a reduced ability to simplify motor coordination, potentially leading to functional decline in older adults.
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