The contribution of mechanoreceptive sensation on stability and adaptation in the young and elderly.

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  • Mitesh Patel
    Lund University
  • Mans Magnusson
    Lund UniversityLund University Hospital
  • Ela Kristinsdottir
    University Hospital of IcelandLund University
  • Per-Anders Fransson
    Lund University
The aim was to determine the contributions of foot mechanoreceptive sensation, vision and their interaction on postural stability during quiet stance, balance perturbations and adaptive adjustments. Postural stability was measured as anteroposterior torque variance in Young (n = 25, average age = 25.1 years) and Elderly subjects (n = 16, average age = 71.5 years) during repeated calf vibrations while standing with eyes open and closed. Sensation, recorded using vibration perception and tactile sensitivity, was poorer in elderly than young subjects. Sensation was of low importance for stability during quiet stance and the first 50 s of repeated vibrations, but was associated with stability during the last three 50 s periods of balance perturbations, suggesting that the mechanoreceptive sensation affected how well postural control could adapt to repeated balance perturbations. The findings suggest that clinicians should investigate whether patients with balance problems and poor adaptation have mechanoreceptive sensation deficits.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)167-173
JournalEuropean Journal of Applied Physiology
Volume105
Early online date17 Oct 2008
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2009
Externally publishedYes
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