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Balance training in older adults enhances feedback control after perturbations
Ruud A J Koster1, Leila Alizadehsaravi1,2, Wouter Muijres1,3
1Human Movement Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Peerj
|November 29, 2024
Summary
Balance training improves older adults' ability to recover from falls by refining feedback control strategies and muscle activation. This enhances balance performance and reduces the risk of falling as people age.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Biomechanics
- Motor Control
Background:
- Falls are a significant challenge for aging populations.
- Balance training is known to help, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how balance training affects feedback control in older adults.
- To examine kinematic balance recovery strategies and muscle synergy activation post-perturbation.
Main Methods:
- Twenty older adults (65+) participated in short-term (1 session) and long-term (10 sessions) balance training.
- Participants underwent unpredictable mediolateral platform perturbations while balancing on one leg.
- Full-body 3D kinematics and muscle activation were measured to analyze balance recovery responses and muscle synergies.
Main Results:
- Long-term training improved balance, reducing center of mass acceleration and angular momentum.
- Reduced reliance on angular momentum for balance correction was observed, with increased use of ankle torque for medial perturbations.
- Training affected muscle synergies related to leg stiffness and ankle torques, with some effects seen even after short-term training.
Conclusions:
- Balance training in older adults refines feedback control mechanisms.
- Adaptations in control strategies and muscle synergy activation enhance the ability to recover balance and mitigate fall risks.
