Sensorimotor adaptation training's effect on head stabilization in response to a lateral perturbation in older adults

J Aging Phys Act. 2013 Jul;21(3):272-89. doi: 10.1123/japa.21.3.272. Epub 2012 Sep 18.

Abstract

The goal of this study was to determine if exposure to sensorimotor adaptation training improved head stabilization in older adults. Sixteen participants, age 66-81 yr, were assigned at random to the control group (n = 8) or the experimental group (n = 8). Both groups first completed 6 trials of walking a foam pathway consisting of a moveable platform that induced a lateral perturbation during walking. Head-in-space and trunk-in-space angular velocities were collected. Participants from both groups then trained twice per week for 4 wk. Both groups walked on a treadmill for 20 min. The control group viewed a static scene. The experimental group viewed a rotating visual scene that provided a perceptual-motor mismatch. After training, both groups were retested on the perturbation pathway test. The experimental group used a movement strategy that preserved head stabilization compared with the controls (p < .05). This training effect was not retained after 4 wk.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Acceleration
  • Accidental Falls / statistics & numerical data
  • Adaptation, Physiological / physiology*
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Female
  • Head Movements / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Postural Balance / physiology
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology*
  • Walking / physiology*