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Age-related differences in pivoting neuromuscular control during a stepping task.
Kyung-Mi Park1, Olga Kim1,2, Eun Young Seo1
1Bionics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea.
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|September 17, 2025
Summary
Older adults demonstrate reduced pivoting neuromuscular control during stepping tasks, exhibiting slower speeds and greater instability. This age-related decline in control may increase injury risk.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Age-related physiological changes impact neuromuscular control, increasing fall risk in older adults.
- Pivoting neuromuscular control is crucial for dynamic balance and mobility during stepping tasks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related differences in pivoting neuromuscular control during stepping.
- To assess how aging affects stepping speed, pivoting instability, and electromyography (EMG) signal complexity.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-three healthy participants (12 young, 11 older) performed stepping tasks with controlled pivoting motion.
- Stepping speed, pivoting instability, and entropy of time to peak EMG in lower extremity muscles were measured.
- Data were compared between young and older adult groups.
Main Results:
- Older adults exhibited significantly lower stepping speed compared to young adults.
- Older adults demonstrated significantly greater pivoting instability during the stepping task.
- Higher entropy of time to peak EMG was observed in older adults, indicating less predictable muscle activation.
Conclusions:
- Older adults have diminished pivoting neuromuscular control abilities compared to younger individuals.
- Age-related deficits in pivoting control may be a risk factor for injuries in older populations.
- Findings contribute to understanding age-related functional limitations and fall prevention strategies.
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