Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40913744›Full record

ArticleAging clinical and experimental research2025

Exploring the role of ankle torque fluctuations and intramuscular coherence in gait function among older adults.

Akira Yaguchi-Horiuchi, Toshiaki Tsuji, Hiroki Takeuchi, Yoshiharu Yokokawa, Eiji Yamanaka, Ippei Nojima

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Article in Aging clinical and experimental research, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Akira Yaguchi-HoriuchiDepartment of Physical Therapy, School of Health Science, Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Japan.
Toshiaki TsujiGraduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan.
Hiroki TakeuchiNational Hospital Organization, Higashinagoya National Hospital, Nagoya, Japan.
Yoshiharu YokokawaGraduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan.
Eiji YamanakaDivision of Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Health Sciences, Medical School, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan.
Ippei NojimaDivision of Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Health Sciences, Medical School, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan. nojima@med.nagoya-cu.ac.jp.

Funding

Japan Society for the Promotion of Science 23K10446Japan Society for the Promotion of Science 23K27934
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectiveThis study aimed to investigate the relationship between ankle joint function and walking performance in older adults by assessing qualitative ankle functions through torque fluctuation analysis and tibialis anterior (TA) intramuscular coherence during isometric dorsiflexion.

methodsThirty-eight community-dwelling older adults participated in this study. Ankle torque fluctuations and intramuscular coherence were evaluated during a dorsiflexion task at 30% of maximum voluntary torque (MVT). Walking performance was assessed using the 5-meter walk test and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Torque fluctuation indicators, including the coefficient of variation (CV), frequency components, and the primary component calculated by an autoregressive (AR) model, were derived from time-series data. Intramuscular coherence was analyzed in the δ (0-5 Hz) and β (16-35 Hz) frequency bands. Multiple regression analyses adjusted for age were conducted to explore associations between walking performance, torque indicators, and intramuscular coherence.

resultsThe TUG test demonstrated a significant relationship with the AR principal component of torque fluctuations, independent of age (p = 0.031), suggesting that temporal variability in ankle torque contributes to dynamic balance. While no significant relationship was observed between gait function and intramuscular coherence, δ-band coherence showed significant correlations with torque variability (CV, r = 0.598, p < 0.001) and spectral power in both the 0.5-5 Hz (r = 0.62, p < 0.001) and 5-10 Hz (r = 0.544, p = 0.001) bands. DISCUSSION: The AR principal component appears to capture kinematic features to motor control and dynamic balance, as evidenced by its association with TUG performance. Furthermore, the relationship between δ-band coherence and torque fluctuations highlights its potential as a maker of neuromuscular function. Although torque fluctuation characteristics and δ-band coherence did not directly correlate with walking speed, they offer valuable insights into the neurophysiological mechanisms underpinning motor control.

conclusionThis study demonstrated that temporal variability in ankle torque, as quantified by the AR principal component, contributes to walking ability and dynamic balance in older adults.

Indexed as

AnkleAnkle JointGaitMuscle, SkeletalAgedAged, 80 and overFemaleHumansMaleTorqueWalkingAnkle torque fluctuationsAR modelGait functionIntramuscular coherenceNeuromuscular controlOlder adults

Identifiers

PMID40913744
PMCPMC12414048

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.