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Characterization of the Head Stabilization Response to a Lateral Perturbation During Walking in Older AdultsA main contributor of fractures in older adults is from a lateral fall. The decline in sensory systems results in difficulty maintaining balance stability. Head stabilization contributes to postural control by serving as a stable platform for the sensory systems. The purpose of this study was to characterize the head stabilization response to a lateral perturbation while walking. A total of 16 healthy older adults, aged 66-81 years, walked across a foam pathway 6 times. One piece of the foam pathway covered a movable platform that translated to the left when the subject stepped on the foam. Three trials were randomized in which the platform shifted. Angular rate sensors placed on the center of mass of the head and trunk collected head and trunk movement in all three planes of motion. The roll plane was analyzed to examine motion in the plane of the perturbation. Subjects stepped onto the platform with the right foot. Recovery step time and distance were recorded. The first trial was analyzed to capture the novelty of the perturbation. Results indicate a significant difference in footfall distance t=0.004, p<0.05, as well as the speed of foot recovery t=0.001, p<0.05, between natural and perturbed walking. Results indicate that the head t=0.005, p<0.05, and trunk t=0.0001, p<0.05, velocities increase during perturbed compared to natural walking. Older adults place their recovery foot down faster when perturbed to re-establish their base of support. Head and trunk segments are less stable and move with greater velocities to reestablish stability when perturbed.
Document ID
20090014200
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Buccello-Stout, Regina R.
(Universities Space Research Association Houston, TX, United States)
Cromwell, Ronita L.
(Universities Space Research Association Houston, TX, United States)
Bloomberg, Jacob J.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
November 18, 2009
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Report/Patent Number
JSC-CN-18151
JSC-CN-19226
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NNJ05JG67H
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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