Citation

Ko SU, Simonsick EM, Despande N, Studenski S, Ferrucci L. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 2016; 48(11): 2190-2194.

Affiliation

1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, Yeosu, South Korea 2Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging (NIA/NIH), Baltimore, MD, 3School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1249/MSS.0000000000001017

PMID

27327030

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Ankle proprioception training has been found to improve balance-related gait disorders; yet, 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 aged 60 - 95 evaluated in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) 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 in stratified analysis these associations were evident only in participants with impaired balance.

CONCLUSION: Ankle proprioception in older persons with balance impairment may play a role in balance related gait disorders and should be targeted for intervention.

Language: en