The interaction between cardiovascular and posture controls and the effects of aging

Falls are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly, and are the sixth leading cause of death. Often these falls result from a loss of balance due to decreased postural control; however, age related reductions in cardiovascular control during postural changes may produce light headedness and fainting (syncope) leading to fall proneness. In order to assess fall proneness, further study is required to increase our knowledge and better characterize how the cardiovascular and the postural control systems interact. We shall conduct two studies to accomplish the task above. In the first, we will be looking at the response of the individual to the forced oscillations of the support base and see the effect on body sway, blood pressure and muscular force production. Second study will look at the effects of ageing and gender on the above mentioned possible interactions by a sit to stand test. Eventually, the results from this study will be used at the Neurokinetics clinic in the assessment and treatment of patients.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Andrew P. Blaber

Student:

Amanmeet Garg

Partner:

NeuroKinetics Health Services (BC) Inc.

Discipline:

Kinesiology

Sector:

Life sciences

University:

Simon Fraser University