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Age-dependent differences in the time course of postural control during sensory perturbations

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Abstract

Background and aims: With research demonstrating that older adults are more likely to sustain a loss of balance than younger adults, the need for an account of age- related differences in postural control is apparent. Several measures of balance reported in the literature have assessed balance using an average or summative measure over the course of a trial, typically lasting several seconds. One limitation related to these measures is the inability to assess the time- course of postural control occurring throughout the trial. To this end, the current investigation assessed the temporal changes in balance both as a function of age and sensory environment. Methods: Postural control was assessed from 10 older adults (69.3± 4.7 years) and 10 younger adults (22.1±1.7 years) over the course of fifteen seconds in three different sensory environments. The sensory manipulations involved sway- referenced rotation of the floor and/or the visual surround. Results: Significant differences (p=0.001) in overall postural stability were observed between the two groups on all three sensory conditions. Additionally, time- course changes were observed between the two groups when the environment did not cause sensory conflict (sway-referenced floor or room only). However, when the environment created a situation of sensory conflict (sway-referenced floor and room) both groups followed the same time-course of postural changes. Conclusions: Interestingly, the time course of postural control for the older adults on the easiest condition was mimicked by the younger adults on a more challenging condition. However, when faced with sensory conflict there were no group differences in the time course of postural control. The findings suggest an age-related decline in the temporal control of posture in altered sensory environments.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. of Health, Exercise and Sport Sciences, Texas Tech University, PO Box 43011, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA

    D. Clark Dickin PhD

  2. Dept. of Kinesiology, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge AB, Canada

    Lesley A. Brown & Jon B. Doan

Authors
  1. D. Clark Dickin PhD
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  2. Lesley A. Brown
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  3. Jon B. Doan
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Correspondence to D. Clark Dickin PhD.

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Dickin, D.C., Brown, L.A. & Doan, J.B. Age-dependent differences in the time course of postural control during sensory perturbations. Aging Clin Exp Res 18, 94–99 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03327423

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