@article{ref1,
title="Ankle proprioception associated gait patterns in older adults: results from the BLSA",
journal="Medicine and science in sports and exercise",
year="2016",
author="Ko, Seung-Uk and Simonsick, Eleanor M. and Despande, Nandini and Studenski, Stephanie and Ferrucci, Luigi",
volume="48",
number="11",
pages="2190-2194",
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. <br><br>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. <br><br>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. <br><br>CONCLUSION: Ankle proprioception in older persons with balance impairment may play a role in balance related gait disorders and should be targeted for intervention.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0195-9131",
doi="10.1249/MSS.0000000000001017",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000001017"
}