This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Lockhart, T. E. Articles by Woldstad, J. C. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Lockhart, T. E. Articles by Woldstad, J. C. Social Bookmarking                   What's this?

Effects of Aging on the Biomechanics of Slips and Falls

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacks-burg, Virginia

James L. Smith

Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas

Jeffrey C. Woldstad

Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon

Although much has been learned in recent decades about the deterioration of muscular strength, gait adaptations, and sensory degradation among older adults, little is known about how these intrinsic changes affect biomechanical parameters associated with slip-induced fall accidents. In general, the objective of this laboratory study was to investigate the process of initiation, detection, and recovery of inadvertent slips and falls. We examined the initiation of and recovery from foot slips among three age groups utilizing biomechanical parameters, muscle strength, and sensory measurements. Forty-two young, middle-age, and older participants walked around a walking track at a comfortable pace. Slippery floor surfaces were placed on the track over force platforms at random intervals without the participants' awareness. Results indicated that younger participants slipped as often as the older participants, suggesting that the likelihood of slip initiation is similar across all age groups; however, older individuals? recovery process was much slower and less effective. The ability to successfully recover from a slip (thus preventing a fall) is believed to be affected by lower extremity muscle strength and sensory degradation among older individuals. Results from this research can help pinpoint possible intervention strategies for improving dynamic equilibrium among older adults.

Human Factors: The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Vol. 47, No. 4, 708-729 (2005)
DOI: 10.1518/001872005775571014


CiteULike    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    What's this?