Ageing and midline crossing inhibition.
Age-related deficits of lower extremity lateral movements were investigated to identify a specific age range for the reappearance of midline crossing inhibition (MCI) along a developmental continuum. Ten individuals (five men and five women) representing each decade between the ages of 40 and 89 (five age groups) performed 108 seated trials on a lower extremity apparatus that measured choice reaction time and movement time. Midline crossing inhibition was operationally defined as statistically slower contralateral reaction times when compared to ipsilateral reaction times. The two eldest age groups (70- and 80-year-olds) exhibited MCI only on the first day of testing. Practice may facilitate cross lateral integration in normal ageing adults, even those of advanced age. There were no significant differences for movement times across age groups.
Pedersen
Scott J
SJ
Department of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces 88003, USA. pedersen@nmsu.edu
Surburg
Paul R
PR
Brechue
W F
WF
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis