Effect of Aging and Cortical Stroke on Motor Adaptation to Overground Gait-Slips: Quantifying Differences in Adaptation Rate and Adaptation Plateau

Abstract

We examined the effect of aging and cortical stroke on the rate of motor adaptation (adaptation rate) and amount of performance gains (adaptation plateau) in balance skills. Fourteen older (≥60 years) and fifteen younger (p p > 0.05). However, both stroke groups demonstrated a smaller adaptation plateau for the majority of reactive variables compared to healthy older adults (p < 0.05). The rate of adaptation to gait-slips does not slow with aging and cortical stroke; however, cortical stroke, age notwithstanding, may reduce performance gains in reactive balance skills, possibly hindering retention and transfer to real-life scenarios. People with stroke may need adjunctive therapies/supplemental agents to apply laboratory-acquired balance skills to daily life.

Keywords

• reactive balance
• stability
• motor adaptation
• fall prevention
• stroke
• aging