Scientists at Emory University studied how older people and people with Parkinson's disease keep their balance. They tested this by making people lose their balance suddenly, like pulling a rug out from under them.
The researchers found something surprising. Older adults and those with Parkinson's used much more brain power even for small balance problems. Their brains had to work harder to keep them steady. But using more brain power actually made them worse at catching their balance, not better.
The team also noticed that older adults tightened too many muscles at once. When trying to balance, they tightened muscles that work against each other. This made their bodies stiffer and their movements less smooth.
This research could help doctors figure out who might fall more easily. By testing muscle reactions, doctors might spot balance problems early. Then people could do special exercises to improve their balance before they get hurt from falling.