Age‐related influence of vision and proprioception on Ia presynaptic inhibition in soleus muscle during upright stance

•  The observed decrease in balance with ageing, vision suppression and compliance of the support surface may involve differential modulation of Ia afferent feedback from leg muscles. •  The modulation of Ia presynaptic inhibition for the soleus muscle was assessed in young and elderly adults when standing in normal and modified visual (eyes closed) and proprioceptive conditions (foam support). •  The results suggest that presynaptic inhibition of Ia afferents increased when vision was suppressed and when standing on a foam mat, but more so in elderly adults, for whom the increase in Ia presynaptic inhibition was associated with greater activity of the leg muscles. •  Young and elderly adults appear to rely less on segmental muscle afferent feedback to control the activation of leg muscles during upright stance when vision and proprioception are altered.

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