Neuroimaging correlates of lateral postural control in older ambulatory adults

In older adults, impaired postural control contributes to falls, a major source of morbidity. Understanding central mechanisms may help identify individuals at risk for impaired postural control.

To determine the relationship between gray matter volume (GMV), white matter hyperintensities (WMH), mean diffusivity (MD), and fractional anisotropy (FA) with lateral postural control.

Neuroimaging and postural control were assessed in 193 community-dwelling older adults (mean age 82, 55.4% female, 44.6% black). GMV, WMH, and diffusion tensor-derived markers of microstructure (MD and FA) were quantified for total brain and regions of interest. Lateral postural control was defined as the root mean square error (RMSE) of lateral sway during a visual feedback test. Associations were assessed with linear regression, adjusted for total brain atrophy and risk factors for impaired postural control.

RMSE was higher for women than men (p < 0.001) and inversely correlated with gait speed (r = - 0.20, p = 0.01), modified mini-mental state (r = - 0.27, p < 0.001), digit symbol substitution test (r = - 0.20, p = 0.01) and quadriceps strength (r = - 0.18, p = 0.01). RMSE was inversely associated with GMV of bilateral precuneus (r = - 0.26, p = 0.01) and FA of corpus callosum and selected tracts in the right hemisphere (anterior thalamic radiation, cingulum, inferior longitudinal and fronto-occipital fasciculi), independent of covariates (r = - 0.34 to - 0.18, p ≤ 0.04).

Lower GMV and microstructural white matter integrity in selected networks can explain worse lateral postural control in older ambulatory adults without neurologic diseases.

Neuroimaging markers of poor postural control in healthy aging may help identify increased fall risk and design preventative fall strategies.