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Ankle Proprioception, Dual-Task Balance Performance, and Ageing: A Cross-Sectional Study
Max T Koch1, Jodie L Marquez1,2, Chris J W Kang1,3
1Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
Perceptual and Motor Skills
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Good ankle proprioception, measured by Active Movement Extent Discrimination Assessment (AMEDA), improves dual-task balance control by reducing body sway. Older age, however, is linked to increased sway range, highlighting age-related balance challenges.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomechanics
- Gerontology
Background:
- Postural control relies on sensory input, with proprioception being crucial for static balance.
- Impaired proprioception can worsen balance, particularly under dual-task conditions.
- Age-related declines in sensory function may further impact balance performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between ankle proprioception and dual-task balance performance.
- To examine how age influences the association between proprioception and balance.
- To quantify the impact of ankle kinaesthesia on postural sway during cognitive-motor tasks.
Main Methods:
- Proprioception assessed using Active Movement Extent Discrimination Assessment (AMEDA) for ankle kinaesthesia.
- Participants performed static balance tasks (feet together, tandem stance) under dual-task conditions with cognitive challenges.
- Balance performance quantified via center of pressure (CoP) trajectories; analyzed using linear mixed effects models.
Main Results:
- Tandem stance significantly increased body sway compared to feet together stance.
- Higher AMEDA scores (better ankle kinaesthesia) correlated with reduced body sway area.
- Older age was associated with increased mediolateral and anteroposterior sway range.
Conclusions:
- Ankle proprioception significantly influences dual-task balance performance, with better kinaesthesia linked to reduced sway.
- Older individuals exhibit greater sway range, indicating age-related balance deficits.
- Findings underscore the importance of proprioceptive acuity for maintaining stability during complex tasks.
