Delayed postural control during self-generated perturbations in the frail older adults.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the coordination between posture and movement in pathological aging (frailty) in comparison with normal aging, with the hypothesis that in pathological aging, postural control evolves towards a more reactive mode for which the perturbation induced by the movement is not anticipated and leads to delayed and late postural adjustments.

Methods: Elderly subjects performed rapid focal arm-raising movements towards a target, from an upright standing position in two stimuli conditions: simple reaction time and choice reaction time (CRT). Hand and center of pressure (CoP) kinematics were compared between a control group and a frail group of the same age.

Practice-related improvements in postural control during rapid arm movement in older adults: a preliminary study.

Background: Postural control associated with self-paced movement is critical for balance in older adults. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of a virtual reality-based program on the postural control associated with rapid arm movement in this population.

Methods: From an upright standing position, participants performed rapid arm-raising movements toward a target.