Locomotion and Posture in Older Adults

According to World Population Prospects 2024 to the United Nations, the global number of older people (>65 years) is projected to almost double by 2050, increasing from ~800 million in 2024 to ~1.6 billion. Aging leads to various motor, sensorial and neural deficits, impairing locomotion and postural control. The severity of this framework is exacerbated when aging is accompanied by movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Chorea, Multiple Sclerosis, Dystonia, Huntington's disease, etc. This books new edition aims to advance the discussion and deepen our understanding of the effects of aging and movement disorders on movement control during walking and postural tasks. Although these activities are performed daily, they require complex interactions between the musculoskeletal and neural systems to be executed efficiently. Despite their routine nature and extensive research on related topics, the mechanisms of control, including their planning and coordination, remain subjects of debate among health professionals and researchers. The introduction of aging into this discussion adds a critical dimension, highlighting the importance of developing targeted strategies for managing these challenges. According to World Population Prospects 2024 to the United Nations, the global number of older people (>65 years) is projected to almost double by 2050, increasing from ~800 million in 2024 to ~1.6 billion. Aging leads to various motor, sensorial and neural deficits, impairing locomotion and postural control. The severity of this framework is exacerbated when aging is accompanied by movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Chorea, Multiple Sclerosis, Dystonia, Huntington's disease, etc. This books new edition aims to advance the discussion and deepen our understanding of the effects of aging and movement disorders on movement control during walking and postural tasks. Although these activities are performed daily, they require complex interactions between the musculoskeletal and neural systems to be executed efficiently. Despite their routine nature and extensive research on related topics, the mechanisms of control, including their planning and coordination, remain subjects of debate among health professionals and researchers. The introduction of aging into this discussion adds a critical dimension, highlighting the importance of developing targeted strategies for managing these challenges. This second edition collates topics to discuss up-to-date and novel insights into how aging and movement disorders affect gait and postural control across a broad range of conditions and perspectives. Chapters from the first edition have been updated, and the book's expanded content includes new chapters that explore innovative rehabilitation strategies and the role of artificial intelligence in advancing the field of gait and postural control. By incorporating the latest research findings, this edition provides a comprehensive resource for understanding and addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by aging and movement disorders. Invited authors with different expertise present and discuss how environmental, sensorial, motor, cognitive and individual aspects influence the planning, performance and impairment of locomotor and postural activities. In addition, the book provides new perspectives on the use of technologies, tools, and interventions designed to improve the understanding and/or minimize, counteract, or delay the onset of impairments as a consequence of aging and movement disorders. Thus, it is a valuable resource to clinicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, biologists, researchers, health professionals, and professionals related to physical education and sports medicine.