Improving Elderly Gait Using a Structured Auditory Stimulus
Advisor Information
Sara Myers
Location
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
6-3-2015 11:00 AM
End Date
6-3-2015 12:30 PM
Abstract
Variability in human movement is not random error, but the product of a deterministic dynamical system, which must be able to reliably reproduce movements while retaining the flexibility to adapt to changing conditions in its environment. Previous studies have shown that young, healthy individuals exhibit gait variability with a fractal temporal structure, that this structure is diminished in older individuals, and that this structure can be controlled in both young and older populations by means of an auditory synchronization task. This leads us to an innovative approach to gait rehabilitation – using a fractal structured auditory stimulus to restore variability to an optimal state. In the first phase of this study, we demonstrated that the fractal structure of gait variability of an older population is altered to more closely resemble younger gait when walking in synchrony to a fractal auditory stimulus. This finding supported the feasibility of a rehabilitation program utilizing this stimulus. In this second phase, we are examining the training and retention effects of a minimal exercise program for healthy older adults. This program consists of nine 30-minute walking sessions conducted over three weeks. Analysis of the fractal structure of pilot data does not show a significant training effect or a reliable trend in retention of the training. These results suggest that the observed acute effects may be “cosmetic” in nature and not reflective of changes in the underlying motor system. Further analysis, and comparison to a sex- and age-matched control group, is required to resolve these questions.
Improving Elderly Gait Using a Structured Auditory Stimulus
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Variability in human movement is not random error, but the product of a deterministic dynamical system, which must be able to reliably reproduce movements while retaining the flexibility to adapt to changing conditions in its environment. Previous studies have shown that young, healthy individuals exhibit gait variability with a fractal temporal structure, that this structure is diminished in older individuals, and that this structure can be controlled in both young and older populations by means of an auditory synchronization task. This leads us to an innovative approach to gait rehabilitation – using a fractal structured auditory stimulus to restore variability to an optimal state. In the first phase of this study, we demonstrated that the fractal structure of gait variability of an older population is altered to more closely resemble younger gait when walking in synchrony to a fractal auditory stimulus. This finding supported the feasibility of a rehabilitation program utilizing this stimulus. In this second phase, we are examining the training and retention effects of a minimal exercise program for healthy older adults. This program consists of nine 30-minute walking sessions conducted over three weeks. Analysis of the fractal structure of pilot data does not show a significant training effect or a reliable trend in retention of the training. These results suggest that the observed acute effects may be “cosmetic” in nature and not reflective of changes in the underlying motor system. Further analysis, and comparison to a sex- and age-matched control group, is required to resolve these questions.