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01-04-2022 | Electromyographic | Research Article

Electromyographic responses to unexpected Achilles tendon vibration-induced perturbations during standing in young and older people

Authors: Anastasia Papavasileiou, Lida Mademli, Vassilia Hatzitaki, Dimitrios A. Patikas

Published in: Experimental Brain Research | Issue 4/2022

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate age-related differences in electromyographic (EMG) responses to unexpected Achilles tendon vibration (ATV) perturbations while standing blindfold. ATV with variable and random duration (12–15 s) and rest periods (20–24 s) was applied on 18 young and 16 older volunteers. The anterior/posterior center of pressure (CoP) and the soleus (SOL) and tibialis anterior (TA) EMG were analyzed for 1 s before and 8 s after the ATV onset and offset. ATV induced a posterior shift of CoP in both groups, with more pronounced shift in the older group. During ATV onset, the older group demonstrated less SOL and more TA EMG increase compared to the young group. During the first 0.5 s of ATV offset, SOL EMG was decreased in both age groups, while TA showed a burst of EMG activity that was greater in the older group. No difference in the latencies of EMG peaks or valleys was observed between the groups. It is concluded that ATV induces greater posterior CoP shift in older adults, and they adopt a recovery strategy, characterized by a decreased SOL activation and an increased TA activation. These differences are possibly attributed to the increased fear of falling, decreased limits of stability and reduced capacity of older people to reweight their sensory inflow when proprioception is distorted.

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Title: Electromyographic responses to unexpected Achilles tendon vibration-induced perturbations during standing in young and older people
Authors: Anastasia Papavasileiou
Lida Mademli
Vassilia Hatzitaki
Dimitrios A. Patikas
Publication date: 01-04-2022
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keyword: Electromyographic
Published in: Experimental Brain Research / Issue 4/2022
Print ISSN: 0014-4819
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1106
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00221-022-06309-7

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Electromyographic responses to unexpected Achilles tendon vibration-induced perturbations during standing in young and older people

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