6533b837fe1ef96bd12a32f1
RESEARCH PRODUCT
What are the effects of the aging of the neuromuscular system on postural stability?
Alain MartinChristophe CornuGil ScaglioniGilles BerrutThomas Cattagnisubject
Central Nervous SystemMale030506 rehabilitationnursing-home residents0302 clinical medicineelderly adultsElderly peopleolder-adultsrisk-factorsPostural BalanceAged 80 and overNeuropsychology and Physiological Psychologymedicine.anatomical_structurePostural stabilitytriceps suraeFemale[SDV.NEU]Life Sciences [q-bio]/Neurons and Cognition [q-bio.NC]0305 other medical scienceFalling (sensation)medicine.medical_specialtysoleus h-reflexfallmechanical-propertieshuman skeletal-musclePhysical exercise03 medical and health sciencesPhysical medicine and rehabilitationankle muscleslength-tension relationshipmedicineHumansInverse correlationMuscle SkeletalBiological PsychiatryBalance (ability)Agedbusiness.industryagingage-related-changesbalance controlIncreased riskpostural stability[ SDV.NEU ] Life Sciences [q-bio]/Neurons and Cognition [q-bio.NC]Physical therapyAccidental FallsNeurology (clinical)Geriatrics and GerontologyAnklebusiness030217 neurology & neurosurgerydescription
International audience; Aging is frequently associated with a decreased postural stability, essentially after 60 years, leading to an increased risk of falling. In this article we propose to highlight the influence of the aging of the neuromuscular system on postural stability when standing upright. To maintain balance while standing upright, human needs to control the activity of ankle muscles and particularly the plantar flexors. During the aging process, the performance of these muscles are strongly altered. It is commonly observed large deficits in elderly people with history of falls. Some authors reported an inverse correlation between the amplitude of postural sway and the capacity of force production of ankle muscles suggesting that the assessment of neuromuscular function could be an index of postural stability or even of the falling risk. Finally, enhance the strength of ankle muscles in elderly through physical exercise could be an adequate intervention to improve postural stability and reduce the incidence of falls.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-12-01 |