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- Title
Sensorimotor and Cognitive Predictors of Impaired Gait Adaptability in Older People.
- Authors
Caetano, Maria Joana D.; Menant, Jasmine C.; Schoene, Daniel; Pelicioni, Paulo H. S.; Sturnieks, Daina L.; Lord, Stephen R.
- Abstract
<bold>Background: </bold>The ability to adapt gait when negotiating unexpected hazards is crucial to maintain stability and avoid falling. This study investigated whether impaired gait adaptability in a task including obstacle and stepping targets is associated with cognitive and sensorimotor capacities in older adults.<bold>Methods: </bold>Fifty healthy older adults (74±7 years) were instructed to either (a) avoid an obstacle at usual step distance or (b) step onto a target at either a short or long step distance projected on a walkway two heel strikes ahead and then continue walking. Participants also completed cognitive and sensorimotor function assessments.<bold>Results: </bold>Stroop test and reaction time performance significantly discriminated between participants who did and did not make stepping errors, and poorer Trail-Making test performance predicted shorter penultimate step length in the obstacle avoidance condition. Slower reaction time predicted poorer stepping accuracy; increased postural sway, weaker quadriceps strength, and poorer Stroop and Trail-Making test performances predicted increased number of steps taken to approach the target/obstacle and shorter step length; and increased postural sway and higher concern about falling predicted slower step velocity.<bold>Conclusions: </bold>Superior executive function, fast processing speed, and good muscle strength and balance were all associated with successful gait adaptability. Processing speed appears particularly important for precise foot placements; cognitive capacity for step length adjustments; and early and/or additional cognitive processing involving the inhibition of a stepping pattern for obstacle avoidance. This information may facilitate fall risk assessments and fall prevention strategies.
- Subjects
GAIT disorders in old age; SENSORIMOTOR integration; COGNITIVE ability; HEALTH of older people; QUADRICEPS muscle; ACCIDENTAL fall prevention; PHYSIOLOGICAL adaptation; GERIATRIC assessment; AGING; COGNITION; POSTURAL balance; GAIT in humans; EXECUTIVE function
- Publication
Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences & Medical Sciences, 2017, Vol 72, Issue 9, p1257
- ISSN
1079-5006
- Publication type
journal article
- DOI
10.1093/gerona/glw171