Perceptual Inhibition Associated with Sensory Integration for Balance in Older Adults.

AIMS: Inhibition associated with perception has been implicated in sensory integration processes for balance when sensory conflict occurs. The current study examines the associations of three measures of inhibition (perceptual inhibition, motor inhibition, and Stroop interference) with standing balance under sensory conflict conditions in younger and older adults.

METHODS: Perceptual inhibition, motor inhibition, and Stroop interference were measured in younger and older subjects. Standing balance under conditions of sensory conflict was evaluated using a modified dynamic posturography protocol. Correlative analysis was performed to examine the associations between the inhibition measures and sway.

RESULTS: In older adults only, perceptual inhibition was correlated with sway when sensory conflict was present. Stroop interference and motor inhibition were not significantly correlated with sway under any posturography conditions.

CONCLUSION: Measures of perceptual inhibition are associated with reduced sensory integration capability for balance during sensory conflict conditions in older adults.