Article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the age-related changes in postural control
during a simple quiet standing task and a dual-task paradigm (applying a
memory-spatial task and quiet standing). Thirty-five subjects were divided in two
age-related groups: both younger (Y: 20-26 years) and older (O: 60-77 years)
groups performed a simple postural task (quiet standing) and a dual-task (a
visual memory task combined with quiet standing). Measures of the center of
pressure (CoP) were recorded and its two components, the center of gravity (CG)
and the differential CoP-CG, were evaluated. An age-related effect was observed
in static postural performance during dual-tasking. Postural stability led to
improved performance in younger subjects during the dual-task and but not in the
elderly. Of the results suggest there is a "cognition first" principle for the
younger adults, that is, the mirror image of the "posture first" principle
observed in older adults under dual-tasking situations.
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Langue : ANGLAIS