Does Sensory Integration Influence Gait Parameters in Healthy Older Adults? Insights from a Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background/Objective: Sensory integration (SI) involves the central processing of visual, vestibular, and somatosensory inputs. It plays a key role in regulating movements such as gait. However, aging may impair these systems and SI, altering the gait. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aim to examine the relationship between gait parameters and SI during standing in healthy older adults. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in the Web of Science, PubMed, MEDLINE, and PEDro databases. Correlation coefficients between gait speed, sway (area and/or velocity) while standing under different SI conditions, and quotients were extracted. The Romberg Quotient (RQ) and Proprioception Quotient (PQ) were used to assess reliance on visual and somatosensory systems, respectively. The studies were grouped by condition, quotient, and outcome measures for the meta-analysis. Results: Thirteen studies (n = 719, mean age 72.5 years) were included. There were significant associations between gait speed and sway area during standing with eyes open on a stable surface (r: -0.235, p < 0.001), eyes closed on a stable surface (ECS) (r: -0.201, p < 0.001), eyes open on a compliant surface (r: -0.198, p < 0.001), and eyes closed on a compliant surface (r: -0.186, p < 0.004). No associations were found between gait speed and sway velocity in each condition, RQ, and PQ (p > 0.486 for all), except for the ECS (r: -0.149, p: 0.01). Conclusions: This study indicated a partial link between gait speed and SI in older adults. Future research should focus on dynamic SI evaluation to better understand this association.