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Age, functional postural reflexes, and voluntary sway
G E Stelmach1, J Phillips, R P DiFabio
1Motor Behavior Laboratory, University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Journal of Gerontology
|July 1, 1989
Summary
Older adults exhibit impaired coordination between postural reflexes and voluntary movement. Their muscle responses to disturbances during sway are slower, indicating age-related declines in motor control.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Ageing is associated with changes in motor control.
- Understanding the interplay between postural reflexes and voluntary movement is crucial for fall prevention in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related differences in the functional coupling of postural reflexes and voluntary sway.
- To analyze the timing and sequencing of muscle activity during postural control in young and older adults.
Main Methods:
- Electromyography (EMG) was used to record muscle activity.
- Participants (young and older adults) were subjected to horizontal postural perturbations during quiet stance and voluntary sway.
- Analysis focused on muscle onset timing, bilateral coupling, and stereotypical patterns of muscle activation.
Main Results:
- Older adults demonstrated poorer coordination between postural reflexes and voluntary movement.
- Stabilizing responses to postural disturbances during voluntary sway were significantly slower in older adults.
- Muscle activation patterns showed reduced bilateral coupling and less stereotypical organization in older adults.
Conclusions:
- Older adults exhibit a breakdown in the timing and sequencing of muscle activity.
- Functional coordination between postural reflexes and voluntary sway is compromised with age.
- These findings highlight age-related deficits in motor control crucial for maintaining balance.