Locomotion and Posture in Older Adults: The Role of Aging and Movement Disorders

This book sheds new light on the effects of aging and movement disorders on movement control during walking and postural tasks. Understanding these dynamics is more important than ever as we face a future where the number of older adults is projected to double by 2050. The severity of this framework is exacerbated when aging is accompanied by movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Chorea, Multiple Sclerosis, Dystonia, and Huntington’s disease. The book explores how complex interactions between musculoskeletal and neural systems are required for efficient execution of daily activities like walking and maintaining posture.

The chapters in this comprehensive volume address the multifaceted challenges posed by aging and movement disorders in gait and postural control, including innovative rehabilitation strategies and the role of artificial intelligence. Expert contributors examine how environmental, sensorial, motor, cognitive, and individual factors influence locomotor and postural activities. Readers will discover cutting-edge research findings that address critical questions about planning, performance, and impairment in these essential functions. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand and reduce the effects of aging and movement disorders on gait and posture.

This book is an invaluable resource for clinicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, biologists, researchers, health professionals, as well as those involved in physical education and sports medicine. It highlights the mechanisms involved in controlling and planning postural and gait tasks in both neurologically healthy older individuals and those who suffer from movement disorders, offering new perspectives on interventions and technologies designed to improve understanding or delay impairments due to aging or movement disorders on gait and posture. Whether you’re a practitioner or researcher in related fields, this book equips you with the essential knowledge to enhance the quality of life for older adults facing these challenges.