Citation

Vanswearingen JM, Studenski SA. J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. 2014; 69(11): 1429-1436.

Affiliation

Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and jessievs@pitt.edu.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Gerontological Society of America)

DOI

10.1093/gerona/glu153

PMID

25182600

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Age-associated neural changes profoundly affect the biomechanics and energetics of walking, increase energy cost, and require novel approaches to exercise that focus on motor learning theory.

METHODS: We present a conceptual framework for motor skill in walking, its effect on the energy cost of walking, and the influence of the aging brain.

RESULTS: Motor learning theory and practice can be incorporated into interventions to promote skilled, energy efficient walking in older people.

CONCLUSIONS: An extensive literature on motor skill and motor learning, derived from neuroscience, sports medicine, and neurorehabilitation, can be applied to problems of walking in late life.

Language: en