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Age-related changes in compensatory stepping in response to unpredictable perturbations
1Centre for Studies in Aging, Sunnybrook Health Science Center, University of Toronto, Ontario.
Summary
Elderly adults are more likely to take multiple steps to maintain balance after a sudden disturbance, indicating a higher fall risk. This highlights the importance of assessing stepping strategies in older individuals.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Compensatory stepping is crucial for maintaining stability during unexpected postural disturbances.
- Age-related changes in stepping control may increase fall risk in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare compensatory stepping responses to unpredictable postural perturbations in healthy elderly and young adults.
Main Methods:
- 14 healthy young and elderly adults stood on a moving platform subjected to unpredictable forward and backward translations.
- Forceplate and kinematic data were collected to analyze stepping responses.
- Focus was on the first 10 trials to assess reactions to novel perturbations.
Main Results:
- Subjects stepped in 98% of trials, with similar initial step timing between age groups.
- Elderly subjects were twice as likely to take additional steps (63%) to regain stability.
- Elderly individuals more frequently used additional steps for lateral stability, unlike younger adults.
Conclusions:
- Multiple stepping is a key strategy for maintaining stability in the elderly.
- Assessing stepping responses, particularly multiple steps, can predict fall risk.
- These findings are vital for developing fall prevention interventions for older adults.