Decreased Saccadic Eye Movement Speed Correlates with Dynamic Balance in Older Adults
1Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Science, Gachon University, 191 Hambangmoe-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21936, Korea.
Summary
Saccadic eye movement (SEM) speed declines with age, particularly in older adults. This reduced SEM speed correlates with poorer balance, suggesting it may contribute to instability in the elderly.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Aging is associated with declines in motor and sensory functions.
- Saccadic eye movements (SEM) are crucial for visual processing and environmental interaction.
- Balance ability is a key factor in fall prevention among older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related changes in SEM speed in the elderly.
- To determine the correlation between SEM speed and balance ability in older adults.
- To explore SEM speed as a potential indicator of balance impairment.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 128 elderly individuals across different age groups (younger older, middle older, older older).
- Measured SEM speed at various frequencies (0.5 Hz, 2 Hz, 3 Hz).
- Assessed balance using the Functional Reach Test (FRT), Timed Up-and-Go Test (TUG), and Walking Speed (WS).
Main Results:
- SEM speed significantly decreased in the oldest age group (over 81 years) compared to younger older adults at 3 Hz.
- Balance measures (FRT, TUG, WS) showed a decline with increasing age.
- A significant correlation was found between 3 Hz SEM speed and TUG/WS across all participants.
Conclusions:
- SEM speed diminishes with advanced age, especially at higher frequencies.
- Decreased SEM speed is associated with reduced balance ability in the elderly.
- SEM speed may serve as a biomarker for impaired balance and increased fall risk in older adults.
