Spatial body movements in different conditions in healthy young and elderly

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate muscle activation using electromyography （EMG）, postural control using computerized dynamic posturography （CDP） and spatioal body movements using accelerometery in different conditions in healthy young and older adults. METHOD: Nine healthy young adults and eight healthy older adults without history of neurological disease or falls participated in this study. Postural control was measured using the NeuroCom Equi-test CDP in 6 different conditions. Spatial body movements were measured by an accelerometer placed on the top of subject's head, sacrum and lateral knee joint. RESULTS: Compared to the young adults, healthy older adults had lower postural control scores in conditions 2, 5 and 6; spatial body movements were larger in forward-backward direction during condition 5 and in vertical direction during condition 6. EMG of Tibialis Anterior, Stenocreidmastoid and Rectus Abdominals in the older adults were more activated. CONCLUSION: Young adults were able to maintain better postural control with lower muscle activation compared to older adults.