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Full-Text Articles in Engineering
Musculoskeletal Adaptation Of Young And Older Adults In Response To Challenging Surface Conditions, Amy E. Holcomb, Nicholas L. Hunt, Amanda K. Ivy, Aidan G. Cormier, Tyler N. Brown, Clare K. Fitzpatrick
Musculoskeletal Adaptation Of Young And Older Adults In Response To Challenging Surface Conditions, Amy E. Holcomb, Nicholas L. Hunt, Amanda K. Ivy, Aidan G. Cormier, Tyler N. Brown, Clare K. Fitzpatrick
Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations
Over 36 million adults over 65 years of age experience accidental falls each year. The underlying neuromechanics (whole-body function) and driving forces behind accidental falls, as well as the effects of aging on the ability of the musculoskeletal system to adapt, are poorly understood. We evaluated differences in kinematics (lower extremity joint angles and range of motion), kinetics (ground reaction force), and electromyography (muscle co-contraction), due to changes in surface conditions during gait in 14 older adults with a history of falling and 14 young adults. We investigated the impact of challenging surfaces on musculoskeletal adaptation and compared the mechanisms …
Musculoskeletal Adaptation Of Young And Older Adults In Response To Environmental, Physical, And Cognitive Conditions, Amy E. Holcomb
Musculoskeletal Adaptation Of Young And Older Adults In Response To Environmental, Physical, And Cognitive Conditions, Amy E. Holcomb
Boise State University Theses and Dissertations
Accidental falls present a large functional and financial burden among people aged 65 years and older. Falls, injuries associated with falls, and the fear of falling decrease quality of life, physical function, and independence for older adults. To prevent falls, improve stability, and protect joints from damage or injury, the typical response to "challenging" conditions include cautious gait, increase muscle co-contraction, and decreased range of motion. These compensatory strategies are more pronounced in the older adult population with apprehensive "cautious" gait at slower speeds, decreased knee flexion, and increased muscle activation around the knee and ankle. The underlying mechanisms and …