AUTHOR=de Bruin Eling D. , Patt Nadine , Ringli Lisa , Gennaro Federico TITLE=Playing Exergames Facilitates Central Drive to the Ankle Dorsiflexors During Gait in Older Adults; a Quasi-Experimental Investigation JOURNAL=Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience VOLUME=11 YEAR=2019 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/aging-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2019.00263 DOI=10.3389/fnagi.2019.00263 ISSN=1663-4365 ABSTRACT=Purpose

Gait training might be of particular importance to reduce fall risk in older adults. In the present study we explore the hypothesis that video game-based training will increase tibialis anterior (TA) muscle EMG-EMG coherence and relates to functional measures of lower limb control.

Methods

We focus on video game-based training performed in standing position, where the subjects have to lift their toes to place their feet on different target zones in order to successfully play the game. This type of training is hypothesized leading to progressive changes in the central motor drive to TA motor neurons and, consequently, improved control of ankle dorsiflexion during gait.

Results

Twenty older adults, 79 ± 8 years old, 13 females/7 males, participated. Results showed a significant difference against 0 in the experimental ΔPOST condition in dual-task walking and beta Frequency Of Interest (p = 0.002). Walking under dual task condition showed significant change over time in minimal Toe Clearance for both the left [χ2(2) = 7.46, p = 0.024, n = 20] and right [χ2(2) = 8.87, p = 0.012, n = 20] leg. No change in lower extremity function was detectable.

Conclusion

Overall we conclude that the initiation of an exergame-based training in upright standing position improves neural drive to the lower extremities in older adults, effects on minimal Toe Clearance and seems an acceptable form of physical exercise for this group.