Proprioception is the awareness of the body and limbs. Declines in ankle proprioception will affect balance control. Aging is associated with declines in ankle proprioception, but it is not clear whether this is still observed in physically active older adults.
In this study, we measured ankle proprioception in healthy, physically active adults between the ages of 50-80 years and healthy young adults in their 20s. Ankle proprioception did not change in older adulthood, and was not different from that of younger adults. These findings suggest that physical activity in older adulthood can protect the body from age-related proprioceptive declines. Adults may consider becoming or staying physically active in older adulthood.
Team members: Dr. Jürgen Konczak is the PI of this study. The primary contact is Jacquelyn Sertic ([email protected]).
