Exploring the role of ankle torque fluctuations and intramuscular coherence in gait function among older adults

IF 3.4 3区 医学 Q2 GERIATRICS & GERONTOLOGY
Akira Yaguchi-Horiuchi, Toshiaki Tsuji, Hiroki Takeuchi, Yoshiharu Yokokawa, Eiji Yamanaka, Ippei Nojima
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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between ankle joint function and walking performance in older adults by assessing qualitative ankle functions through torque fluctuation analysis and tibialis anterior (TA) intramuscular coherence during isometric dorsiflexion.

Methods

Thirty-eight community-dwelling older adults participated in this study. Ankle torque fluctuations and intramuscular coherence were evaluated during a dorsiflexion task at 30% of maximum voluntary torque (MVT). Walking performance was assessed using the 5-meter walk test and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Torque fluctuation indicators, including the coefficient of variation (CV), frequency components, and the primary component calculated by an autoregressive (AR) model, were derived from time-series data. Intramuscular coherence was analyzed in the δ (0–5 Hz) and β (16–35 Hz) frequency bands. Multiple regression analyses adjusted for age were conducted to explore associations between walking performance, torque indicators, and intramuscular coherence.

Results

The TUG test demonstrated a significant relationship with the AR principal component of torque fluctuations, independent of age (p = 0.031), suggesting that temporal variability in ankle torque contributes to dynamic balance. While no significant relationship was observed between gait function and intramuscular coherence, δ-band coherence showed significant correlations with torque variability (CV, r = 0.598, p < 0.001) and spectral power in both the 0.5–5 Hz (r = 0.62, p < 0.001) and 5–10 Hz (r = 0.544, p = 0.001) bands.

Discussion

The AR principal component appears to capture kinematic features to motor control and dynamic balance, as evidenced by its association with TUG performance. Furthermore, the relationship between δ-band coherence and torque fluctuations highlights its potential as a maker of neuromuscular function. Although torque fluctuation characteristics and δ-band coherence did not directly correlate with walking speed, they offer valuable insights into the neurophysiological mechanisms underpinning motor control.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that temporal variability in ankle torque, as quantified by the AR principal component, contributes to walking ability and dynamic balance in older adults.

探讨踝关节扭矩波动和肌肉内一致性在老年人步态功能中的作用
目的本研究旨在通过扭矩波动分析和胫骨前肌(TA)肌内一致性对老年人踝关节功能进行定性评估,探讨踝关节功能与步行表现之间的关系。方法对38名社区老年人进行研究。在30%最大自主扭矩(MVT)的背屈任务中,评估踝关节扭矩波动和肌肉内一致性。采用5米步行测试和拔腿计时(TUG)测试评估步行能力。扭矩波动指标,包括变异系数(CV)、频率成分和由自回归(AR)模型计算的主成分,从时间序列数据中导出。在δ (0-5 Hz)和β (16-35 Hz)频段分析肌内相干性。对年龄因素进行多元回归分析,探讨行走表现、扭矩指标和肌内一致性之间的关系。结果TUG测试显示,踝关节扭矩波动的AR主成分与年龄无关(p = 0.031),表明踝关节扭矩的时间变异性有助于动态平衡。虽然步态功能与肌内相干性之间没有显著相关性,但δ波段相干性与0.5-5 Hz (r = 0.62, p < 0.001)和5-10 Hz (r = 0.544, p = 0.001)波段的扭矩变异性(CV, r = 0.598, p < 0.001)和频谱功率均有显著相关性。AR主成分似乎捕获了电机控制和动态平衡的运动学特征,正如其与TUG性能的关联所证明的那样。此外,δ带相干性和扭矩波动之间的关系突出了其作为神经肌肉功能制造商的潜力。虽然转矩波动特征和δ带相干性与步行速度没有直接关联,但它们为研究运动控制的神经生理机制提供了有价值的见解。本研究表明,由AR主成分量化的踝关节扭矩的时间变异性有助于老年人的行走能力和动态平衡。
本文章由计算机程序翻译,如有差异,请以英文原文为准。
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来源期刊
CiteScore
7.90
自引率
5.00%
发文量
283
审稿时长
1 months
期刊介绍: Aging clinical and experimental research offers a multidisciplinary forum on the progressing field of gerontology and geriatrics. The areas covered by the journal include: biogerontology, neurosciences, epidemiology, clinical gerontology and geriatric assessment, social, economical and behavioral gerontology. “Aging clinical and experimental research” appears bimonthly and publishes review articles, original papers and case reports.
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