Seung-Uk Ko1, Eleanor M Simonsick, Nandini Deshpande, Stephanie Studenski, Luigi Ferrucci. 1. 1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, Yeosu, SOUTH KOREA; 2Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging (NIA/NIH), Baltimore, MD; and 3School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, CANADA.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Ankle proprioception training has been found to improve balance-related gait disorders; however, the relationship between ankle proprioception and specific gait patterns in older adults with and without impaired balance has not been systematically examined. METHODS: This study characterizes gait patterns of 230 older adults age 60-95 yr evaluated in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging gait laboratory with (n = 82) and without impaired balance (inability to successfully complete a narrow walk) and examines ankle proprioception performance. RESULTS: Participants with impaired balance had a higher angle threshold for perceiving ankle movement than those without impaired balance even after controlling for the substantial age difference between groups (P = 0.017). Gait speed, stride length, hip and ankle range of motion, and mechanical work expenditure from the knee and ankle were associated with ankle proprioception performance (P < 0.050 for all) in the full sample, but these associations were evident only in participants with impaired balance in stratified analysis. CONCLUSION: Ankle proprioception in older persons with balance impairment may play a role in balance-related gait disorders and should be targeted for intervention.
INTRODUCTION: Ankle proprioception training has been found to improve balance-related gait disorders; however, the relationship between ankle proprioception and specific gait patterns in older adults with and without impaired balance has not been systematically examined. METHODS: This study characterizes gait patterns of 230 older adults age 60-95 yr evaluated in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging gait laboratory with (n = 82) and without impaired balance (inability to successfully complete a narrow walk) and examines ankle proprioception performance. RESULTS:Participants with impaired balance had a higher angle threshold for perceiving ankle movement than those without impaired balance even after controlling for the substantial age difference between groups (P = 0.017). Gait speed, stride length, hip and ankle range of motion, and mechanical work expenditure from the knee and ankle were associated with ankle proprioception performance (P < 0.050 for all) in the full sample, but these associations were evident only in participants with impaired balance in stratified analysis. CONCLUSION: Ankle proprioception in older persons with balance impairment may play a role in balance-related gait disorders and should be targeted for intervention.
Authors: Seung-Uk Ko; Katherine B Gunter; Mark Costello; Ho Aum; Scott MacDonald; Karen N White; Christine M Snow; Wilson C Hayes Journal: J Aging Health Date: 2007-04
Authors: Matthew A Schrager; Valerie E Kelly; Robert Price; Luigi Ferrucci; Anne Shumway-Cook Journal: Gait Posture Date: 2008-04-08 Impact factor: 2.840
Authors: Colin E Champ; David J Carpenter; Alexander K Diaz; Jared Rosenberg; Bradley G Ackerson; Parker N Hyde Journal: Sports Med Date: 2022-09-29 Impact factor: 11.928
Authors: Shogo Misu; Tsuyoshi Asai; Shunsuke Murata; Ryo Nakamura; Tsunenori Isa; Yamato Tsuboi; Kensuke Oshima; Shota Koyama; Ryuichi Sawa; Yoshihiro Fukumoto; Rei Ono Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-03-01 Impact factor: 3.390