Purpose: 1. To compare the postural control patterns of young adults to balance impaired elderly; 2. To determine the task-related effects of load and target distance on anticipatory postural adjustments (APA) and body segment coordination in a trunk-assisted reach-to-grasp task; 3. To compare postural control patterns of static standing sway to a dynamic reach; 4. To compare the relationship between two measures of somatosensation of the foot to postural control of reaching and static stance. Methods: 12 Elderly (6 high/ 6 low balance function) and 6 young subjects stood on a force plate to reach/ grasp a 1 liter water bottle and bring it back to their chest. All subjects were tested under two loads (full and empty bottle), and two target distances (110 percent and 120 percent of arm?s length). Subjects also stood for 30 second sway tests with eyes open and closed. Dependent measures to be analyzed include A-P and M-L sway, APAs, Kinematic measures, Berg Balance score, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test scores of foot sensation, and two-point discrimination of both feet. Health Relatedness: Findings elucidating postural control processes in the elderly will assist in developing intervention methods to reduce frailty and the risk for falls in the elderly.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31AG020502-03
Application #
6692585
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-RPHB-3 (20))
Program Officer
Finkelstein, Judith A
Project Start
2001-12-01
Project End
2004-04-30
Budget Start
2003-12-01
Budget End
2004-04-30
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$14,884
Indirect Cost
Name
Columbia University Teachers College
Department
Psychology
Type
Schools of Education
DUNS #
071050983
City
New York
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10027