Physical activity improves gaze and posture control in the elderly

Abstract

Ageing is associated with a decrease in the quality of balance regulation, in particular through dysfunctions of gaze control and postural stabilization, which results in an increased risk of falling. Conversely, the practice of physical and sporting activities has been shown to improve every level of postural regulation. This study is to assess the effects of the practice of physical activities on vestibulospinal reflex and ocular movements of visual and vestibular origins in elderly people. Gaze control and posture stabilization were evaluated in 13 healthy aged women who regularly practised physical activities and in 13 healthy aged sedentary women of a similar age, by dynamic posturographic test with electromyography, as well as electronystagmography with caloric and rotational vestibular tests, ocular saccades, smooth pursuit and optokinetic tests. The gaze and posture control performance of the active group was better; the proprioceptive and vestibular sensitivities were higher, visual detection quality was good, and reaction time was low. Regular physical activity develops or maintains the efficiency of the reflexes involved in postural control, especially through adequate neurosensorial information, which allows the central integrative structures to generate a more appropriate motor response.