Exploring attentional focus of older adult fallers during heightened postural threat.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Threats to balance, and subsequent increases in fall-related anxiety, can disrupt attentional processing during gait in older adults, leading to behavioral adaptations which may increase fall risk. However, limited research has investigated what changes in attention occur to contribute to these disruptions. The aim of this research was to describe changes in attention that occur during gait when older adults' balance is threatened, while exploring how previous fall history and trait movement reinvestment (conscious monitoring and control of movement) also influence attention.

Methods

Forty older adults reported where they focus their attention when walking during two scenarios: (1) when they are relaxed and there is little risk of falling, and; (2) when their bala

SUBMITTER: Ellmers TJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7479009 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature