Age-related weakness and poor balance control culminate to reduce independence and are predictive of future illness and injury. However, we do not know the exact neural mechanisms that result in poor balance during older age. This project will use, and integrate, new methodologies to discover how the brain processes sensory information and relays that information to the muscles in order to recovery from a loss of balance (i.e. prevent falling). The project compares 20-25 year olds with 60-65 and 70-75 year olds and follows them for 2 years. Thereafter, we introduce a balance training intervention to improve the participants' ability to overcome sudden loss of balance, confirming the essential neural control strategies in preventing falling. The project integrates brain imaging methods (electroencephalography) with transcortical magnetic stimulation. The project will identify neural deficiencies so that future interventions can be better targeted to the needs of those at risk of falls.

2022

2027