The purpose of this study was to examine the cross-over influence of lower limb fatigue on postural control. Using two experiments, cross-over fatigue was investigated using a proximal (Experiment 1—single-leg squat) and distal (Experiment 2—calf raise) muscle group. In Experiment 1, 15 healthy young participants underwent a single-leg standing task on both the right and left leg, with variations of having eyes open or closed and on stable or unstable surfaces, performing each task for 30 s. For Experiment 2, 20 individuals performed single-leg balance testing for the right and left leg and stable and unstable surfaces. Center-of-pressure data were collected during the balance tasks and were analyzed with linear (standard deviation) and nonlinear (detrended fluctuation analysis) metrics. The results lacked significant differences (p > 0.05) for cross-over fatigue effects on the non-exercised limb, which exhibited similar levels of postural sway between the pre- and post-fatigue balance tests. These tasks may have lacked an appropriate level of duration or intensity to cause a significant effect of central fatigue on the nervous system. The findings underscore the need to better understand how a specific fatiguing task during unilateral rehabilitation may alter postural control.

Introduction: Interlimb coordination, the synchronization of movements between limbs, is essential for efficient and stable human movement. Disruptions in coordination contribute to gait dysfunction, a common challenge for individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). This scoping review investigates how PD impairs interlimb coordination and influences gait adaptability, emphasizing the complexity of motor control challenges.Methods: This review assessed individuals with PD, focusing on spatiotemporal parameters and interlimb coordination within the Population, Concept, and Context (PCC) framework. A literature search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science™, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Google Scholar™ in June 2023, following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Risk of bias was assessed using an instrument proposed by Downs and Black (1998). Out of 710 studies, 14 met the inclusion criteria. Coordination was evaluated during treadmill or overground walking.Results: The review identified significant gait impairments in individuals with PD, including reduced walking velocity, step length, and range of motion. Coordination deficits were reflected in increased synchronization delays, phase shifts, and higher Phase Coordination Index values, particularly among those with freezing of gait. The findings emphasize the variability in PD’s motor effects and highlight the need for individualized assessments and targeted strategies to address gait dysfunction and coordination impairments.Discussion: This review highlights the critical impact of PD on gait dynamics and interlimb coordination, reinforcing the need for personalized interventions aimed at improving coordination, enhancing mobility, reducing fall risk, and improving quality of life.