@article{ref1,
title="Rapid torque development in older female fallers and nonfallers: A comparison across lower-extremity muscles",
journal="Journal of electromyography and kinesiology",
year="2010",
author="Laroche, Dain P. and Cremin, Kim A. and Greenleaf, Brittnee and Croce, Ronald V.",
volume="20",
number="3",
pages="482-488",
abstract="The objective of this study was to compare reaction time, joint torque, rate of torque development, and magnitude of neuromuscular activation of lower-extremity muscles in elderly female fallers and nonfallers. Participants included 11, elderly, female fallers (71.3+/-5.4years) and twelve nonfallers (71.3+/-6.2years) who completed a fall risk questionnaire. Then, maximal, voluntary, isometric contractions of the knee and ankle muscles were performed in reaction to a visual cue to determine joint torque, rate of torque development, reaction time, and nervous activation of agonists and antagonists. Results indicated that significantly more fallers reported &quot;dizziness upon rising&quot;, &quot;use of balance altering medications&quot;, &quot;stress or depression&quot;, &quot;not enough sleep&quot;, &quot;arthritis in lower body&quot;, &quot;chronic pain in lower body&quot;, and &quot;tiring easily while walking&quot; (all P<0.05). Normalized dorsiflexion and plantarflexion strength scores (summation of peak torque, rate of torque development and impulse) were lower in fallers than in nonfallers (P<0.05). When summed across lower-extremity muscle groups, fallers demonstrated 19% lower peak torque and 29% longer motor time (P<0.05). In conclusion, comprehensive fall risk screening and prevention programs should address both neuromuscular and non-muscular factors, and, weakness of the ankle dorsiflexors and plantarflexors should be further studied as potential contributors to falls in older adults.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1050-6411",
doi="10.1016/j.jelekin.2009.08.004",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jelekin.2009.08.004"
}