Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Format of Original

13 p.

Publication Date

2000

Publisher

Human Kinetics

Source Publication

Journal of Applied Biomechanics

Source ISSN

1065-8483

Abstract

The importance of momentum in compensating for elderly individua ls ' strength deficits to achieve activities of daily living. such as rising from a chair ha.!o been demonstrated in earlier studies. Here we present a case control study of three healthy "non-fallers" and two "frequent fallers," All 5 elders were community-living and were tested in the gai l laboratory. A four-camera Selspot system was used to obtain whole-body momentum from an 11-segment kinematic model. Ground reaction forces and kinematics were used 10 calculate lower extremity join! moments. With the exception of the whole-body's angular momentum about the vertical axis, linear and angular momenta during gait were minimum during mid-single limb support and maximum near heel contact. Whole-body momentum values for individuals with a history of falls were similar to those measured in non-fallers. However. subjects with a history of falls had between 17 and 37% smaller maximum ankle and knee torque values than the subjects without a history of falls during ambulation. A comprehensive description of whole-body linear and angular momenta during steady-stale gait in older individuals is presented. While whole-body momentum characteristics and magnitude were similar between fallers and non-fallers. the consequences of the lesser torque values in the fallers ' knees and ankles 10 generate and control this momentum warrant further investigation.

Comments

Published version. Journal of Applied Biomechanics, Vol. 16, No. 1 (2000): 1-13. Publisher's Link. © 2000 Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc. Used with permission.

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