title: Environmental topography and postural control demands shape aging-associated decrements in spatial navigation performance.
abstract: This study tests the hypothesis that aging-induced cognitive permeation of sensorimotor functions contributes to adult age differences in spatial navigation performance. Virtual maze-like museums were projected in front of a treadmill. Sixteen 20-30-year-old men and sixteen 60-70-year-old men performed a way-finding task in city-block or variable topographies while walking with or without support. Walking support attenuated age-related decrements in navigational learning. Navigation load increased trunk-angle variability for older adults only. Age differences in spatial knowledge persisted despite perfect place-finding performance. City-block topography was easier than variable topography for younger adults only, indicating age-related differences in reliance on spatial relational learning. Attempts at supporting older adults' navigation performance should consider sensorimotor/cognitive interactions and qualitative differences in navigational activity.
authors.affiliation: Max Planck Institute for Human Development.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lövdén
authors.affiliation: Max Planck Institute for Human Development.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schellenbach
authors.affiliation: Saarland University.
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Grossman-Hutter
authors.affiliation: Saarland University.
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Krüger
authors.affiliation: Max Planck Institute for Human Development.
authors.forename: Ulman
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-8428-6453
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Lindenberger
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D004777:Environment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011596:Psychomotor Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012737:Sex Factors; D013028:Space Perception; D013037:Spatial Behavior