The effect of age-related sensorimotor changes on step-down strategy: a predictive simulation study

Schreff L, Waterval NF, van der Krogt MM, Häufle DF, Müller R (2025)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2025

Journal

Scientific Reports Nature Publishing Group: Open Access Journals - Option B

Book Volume: 15

Article Number: 30679

Journal Issue: 1

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-14422-0

Abstract

Humans adjust neuromuscular control in anticipation of a step-down during walking. Due to age-related sensorimotor changes, older adults may require adaptation of this control to step-down safely. We used predictive simulations to investigate how muscle weakness and delayed neural transmission affect anticipatory control during step-down. Five model variants were developed: a default model, two with muscle strength reduced to 80% and 60%, and two with neural delays increased by 20% and 40%. For each model, we tested two strategies in the trailing leg during the last contact before step-down: reduced soleus activity (SOL strategy) and increased hamstring activity (HAM strategy). We systematically varied step-down height and anticipatory control levels. For the SOL strategy, both muscle weakness and neural delay reduced the maximum feasible step-down height, with muscle weakness requiring more precise adjustments. The HAM strategy was mainly affected by neural delay and showed less sensitivity to control precision. While the SOL strategy generally performed better, the HAM strategy was more robust under severe weakness. These results suggest that the HAM strategy may benefit individuals with progressive sensorimotor decline, while maintaining SOL strategy applicability—e.g., through strength training—could help maintain its benefits. Further investigations are needed to confirm this.

Involved external institutions

Klinikum Bayreuth DE Germany (DE) Amsterdam University Medical Centers (Amsterdam UMC) / Amsterdam Universitair Medische Centra NL Netherlands (NL) Hertie-Institut für klinische Hirnforschung DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Schreff, L., Waterval, N.F., van der Krogt, M.M., Häufle, D.F., & Müller, R. (2025). The effect of age-related sensorimotor changes on step-down strategy: a predictive simulation study. Scientific Reports, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-14422-0

MLA:

Schreff, Lucas, et al. "The effect of age-related sensorimotor changes on step-down strategy: a predictive simulation study." Scientific Reports 15.1 (2025).

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