A novel sensor-based real-time tracking game for assessing ankle proprioceptive effects on sensorimotor performance

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gerontology
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Proprioceptive deficits are linked to impaired balance and increased fall risk in older adults.
• Existing methods for measuring proprioceptive deficits lack sensitivity and can be difficult to administer.
• A novel sensor-based real-time tracking game (SRT) was developed to assess sensorimotor performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of an SRT game in quantifying proprioceptive deficits.
• To assess the impact of age, limb dominance, and external vibratory stimuli on sensorimotor performance.

Main Methods:

• Nineteen young and 10 older adults participated.
• A gyroscope tracked ankle movements during SRT tasks of varying difficulty.
• Vibration was applied to lower leg muscles to disrupt visuo-proprioceptive input.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in amplitude and directional accuracy were observed based on age, vibration condition, and testing side (dominant vs. non-dominant).
• The SRT game demonstrated sensitivity to age-related changes in visuo-proprioception.
• External vibratory stimulation significantly affected performance, highlighting the game's ability to detect sensory disturbances.

Conclusions:

• The SRT game is a sensitive tool for measuring visuo-proprioceptive deficits.
• This technology can detect changes related to aging, limb dominance, and external disturbances.
• Accurate detection of visuo-proprioceptive deficits may aid in identifying individuals at risk of falling.