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Proprioceptive sensibility in the elderly: degeneration, functional consequences and plastic-adaptive processes
Daniel J Goble1, James P Coxon, Nicole Wenderoth
1Motor Control Laboratory, Research Center for Movement Control and Neuroplasticity, Department of Biomedical Kinesiology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven Tervuurse Vest 101, B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium. Daniel.Goble@faber.kuleuven.be
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
|September 17, 2008
Summary
Older adults experience declines in proprioception, impacting sensorimotor skills and balance. Physical activity may enhance proprioceptive abilities, offering potential for improved treatment and prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Biomechanics
Background:
- The global population is aging, increasing the need to understand age-related sensorimotor declines.
- Proprioceptive feedback is crucial for sensorimotor control, but its age-related changes are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the contribution of proprioceptive feedback to sensorimotor performance in older adults.
- To examine the consequences of proprioceptive deficits on functions like postural control.
- To explore the potential for plasticity and enhancement of proprioceptive abilities in the aging population.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized findings from studies quantifying various aspects of proprioceptive function (position sense, motion sense, dynamic position).
- Assessed studies focusing on single joint or limb segments to provide a global perspective.
- Reviewed literature on the impact of proprioceptive deficits, particularly on postural control.
Main Results:
- Older adults exhibit age-related declines in proprioceptive acuity.
- Proprioceptive deficits significantly impact sensorimotor performance, especially postural control.
- Evidence suggests the aging proprioceptive system retains potential for plastic changes.
Conclusions:
- Proprioceptive feedback plays a vital role in the sensorimotor performance of older adults.
- Physical activity is linked to enhanced proprioceptive abilities in the elderly.
- Further research can inform interventions for age-related sensorimotor deficits.
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