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Association between saccular function and gait speed: data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging
Andrew J Layman1, Carol Li, Eleanor Simonsick
1*Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore; and the †National Institute on Aging, Longitudinal Studies Section, Harbor Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.A.
Summary
Age-related decline in saccular otolith function, measured by cervical VEMP amplitude, partially explains slower walking speed, especially in narrow stances. This highlights the otolith system
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Vestibular Science
- Biomechanics and Gait Analysis
Background:
- Otolith organs (saccule and utricle) are crucial for balance and spatial orientation.
- Age-related changes in vestibular function can impact mobility and fall risk.
- The relationship between otolith function and specific gait parameters remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if saccular and utricular otolith function is associated with walking performance in older adults.
- To explore potential age and sex differences in this association.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging.
- Cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) assessed saccular and utricular function.
- Gait speed was measured under usual, rapid, and narrow (20 cm) conditions.
Main Results:
- Reduced cervical VEMP amplitude (saccular function) mediated the association between age and gait speed, particularly narrow gait speed.
- Cervical VEMP latency showed an independent association with gait speed, with sex-specific differences.
- Ocular VEMP (utricular function) was not associated with gait speed in either sex.
Conclusions:
- Age-related gait slowing is partly explained by diminished saccular response magnitude.
- The findings suggest saccular function is a significant contributor to maintaining gait speed.
- Sex-specific associations between saccular response latency and gait speed warrant further investigation.
