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Adaptation changes in dynamic postural control and contingent negative variation during repeated transient forward
Maki Maekawa, Katsuo Fujiwara1, Naoe Kiyota
1Department of Human Movement and Health, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takara-machi, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan. fujikatu@med.m.kanazawa-u.ac.jp.
Journal of Physiological Anthropology
|December 21, 2013
Summary
Elderly individuals improved postural control and developed contingent negative variation (CNV) with repeated balance training. This indicates enhanced anticipatory attention and motor preparation in the aging brain.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Investigated adaptation in postural control and contingent negative variation (CNV) in elderly individuals.
- Focused on responses to repeated forward floor translations, a common postural disturbance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine how the elderly adapt their postural control and CNV.
- To determine if repeated exposure to postural disturbances enhances anticipatory motor preparation.
Main Methods:
- Fifteen healthy elderly participants underwent repeated forward floor translations after a warning signal.
- Measured electroencephalograms (EEG) for CNV, center of foot pressure (CoPap) for postural sway, and electromyograms (EMG) for muscle activity.
- Trials were repeated until a stable late CNV was observed.
Main Results:
- Center of foot pressure (CoPap) displacement significantly decreased with repeated trials and sets, indicating improved postural stability.
- A negative peak in late contingent negative variation (CNV) was observed in most participants by the fourth set.
- Increased timing of gastrocnemius activity correlated with CNV peak timing, and post-perturbation muscle activity decreased over trials.
Conclusions:
- Repeated postural disturbances led to the recognition of late CNV in the elderly, signifying improved anticipatory postural preparation.
- The findings suggest enhanced frontal lobe functions, including attention and motor planning, in older adults through practice.
- This study highlights the potential for neuroplasticity and functional improvement in the aging population.
