Summary
Balance corrections elicited in response to a dorsi-flexion rotation of the support-surface were compared between elderly and young normal subjects using surface EMG records from the soleus, tibialis anterior, and neck extensor muscles, and measurements of ankle torque. Three fundamental differences were observed. First, EMG response latencies were significantly longer in the elderly. Second, the ankle torque exerted on the support surface by the elderly subjects was diminished with respect to young normals. Third, the magnitude of extensor neck muscle activation was increased in elderly subjects, indicating an increased compensation at the head for trunk forward pitching. These findings, when compared to observations on the postural control of vestibularloss subjects, suggest that sensory integration changes may impact postural corrections in elderly subjects. One way elderly subjects appear to compensate for their weaker ankle torque when pitched backwards is an increased reliance on hip flexion to prevent falling.
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© 1993 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht
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Allum, J.H.J., Honegger, F., Keshner, E.A. (1993). Postural Responses of the Elderly: Comparisons with Vestibular-Deficit Subjects. In: Stelmach, G.E., Hömberg, V. (eds) Sensorimotor Impairment in the Elderly. NATO ASI Series, vol 75. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-1976-4_14
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-1976-4_14
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
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