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Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences

Extreme Levels Of Noise Constitute A Key Neuromuscular Deficit In The Elderly, Niklas König Ignasiak Nov 2012

Extreme Levels Of Noise Constitute A Key Neuromuscular Deficit In The Elderly, Niklas König Ignasiak

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Fluctuations during isometric force production tasks occur due to the inability of musculature to generate purely constant submaximal forces and are considered to be an estimation of neuromuscular noise. The human sensori-motor system regulates complex interactions between multiple afferent and efferent systems, which results in variability during functional task performance. Since muscles are the only active component of the motor system, it therefore seems reasonable that neuromuscular noise plays a key role in governing variability during both standing and walking. Seventy elderly women (including 34 fallers) performed multiple repetitions of isometric force production, quiet standing and walking tasks. No relationship …


Determination Of Stabilogram Diffusion Analysis Coefficients And Invariant Density Analysis Parameters To Understand Postural Stability Associated With Standing On Anti-Fatigue Mats, Rahul Soangra, Thurmon E. Lockhart Jan 2012

Determination Of Stabilogram Diffusion Analysis Coefficients And Invariant Density Analysis Parameters To Understand Postural Stability Associated With Standing On Anti-Fatigue Mats, Rahul Soangra, Thurmon E. Lockhart

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Prolonged standing has been associated with loss of balance, onset of low back pain symptoms and development of fatigue in lower extremity muscles in working populations. Although so far, it is unknown how individuals’ postural stability is affected by standing on rigid versus cushioned platform but many industries are opting for anti-fatigue mats at workstations to reduce fall and injury related socio-economic cost. The goal of this study is to test SATECH's anti-fatigue mat for its effects on postural stability. A pilot test with seven healthy subjects (25–35 years old) has been conducted with a force plate to obtain kinetics …


Non-Invasive Fall Risk Assessment In Community Dwelling Elderly With Wireless Inertial Measurement Units, Thurmon E. Lockhart, Han T. Yeoh, Rahul Soangra, Manutchanok Jongprasithporn, Jian Zhang, Xuefang Wu, Arka Ghosh Jan 2012

Non-Invasive Fall Risk Assessment In Community Dwelling Elderly With Wireless Inertial Measurement Units, Thurmon E. Lockhart, Han T. Yeoh, Rahul Soangra, Manutchanok Jongprasithporn, Jian Zhang, Xuefang Wu, Arka Ghosh

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Falls are among the most serious accidents among the elderly leading to increased injuries, reduced functioning and mortality. In 2009, about 2.2 million nonfatal fall injuries were reported among the elderly population (CDC, 2010). In this study, eleven community dwelling elderly (aged 65-84 years) participated in fall risk assessment camp at sterling senior center organized by Northern Virginia Fall Prevention Coalition (NVFPC). Three custom made wireless inertial measurement units (IMUs) were attached on trunk and both shanks. All participants performed postural and locomotor tasks such as sit-to-stand (STS) and timed up and go (TUG). Temporal and kinematic parameters were obtained. …


A Comparative Study For Performance Evaluation Of Sit-To-Stand Task With Body Worn Sensor And Existing Laboratory Methods, Rahul Soangra, Thurmon E. Lockhart Jan 2012

A Comparative Study For Performance Evaluation Of Sit-To-Stand Task With Body Worn Sensor And Existing Laboratory Methods, Rahul Soangra, Thurmon E. Lockhart

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Human movement such as sit-to-stand (STS) is one of the most fundamental and essential movement among daily living activities. Elderly who are unable to stand are severely limited in daily activities and rely on others for their care. In the coming next two decades about 20% of US population will be above the age of 65 years, and considering ever-increasing elderly population and health care expenses, the rehabilitation of functionally limited elderly is becoming a topic of greater concern. Clinically STS movement is looked upon with great interest, such as its analysis is meaningful in order to evaluate motor control …


Investigation Into The Functional Mobility Difference Between Obese And Non-Obese Elderly, Xuefang Wu, Han T. Yeoh, Rahul Soangra, Thurmon Lockhart Jan 2012

Investigation Into The Functional Mobility Difference Between Obese And Non-Obese Elderly, Xuefang Wu, Han T. Yeoh, Rahul Soangra, Thurmon Lockhart

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Obese aging population is increasing in the United States, and obese elderly experience fall twice as frequent as their lean counterparts. However, the mechanisms of older obese adults fall are still not clear. It is not known whether the obese elderly has more functional mobility impairments than their lean counterparts, and consequently have increased risks of falls. It was hypothesized that obese elderly have more functional mobility impairments compared with their healthy weight counterparts. Six lean and six obese community-dwelling elderly participated in the study. “Timed up & go” test was used to quantify the functional mobility for both lean …