Publications
Muscle and tendon stiffness of lower extremity in older adults with fall history: Stiffness effect on physical performance and fall risk
Authors: Fatma Kubra Cekok 1, Serkan Tas 2, Arda Aktas 3
Affiliations:
- Tarsus University, Faculty of Health Science, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, 33400, Tarsus/Mersin, Turkey
- Toros University, Faculty of Health Science, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, 33140, Mersin, Turkey
- Balikesir University, Faculty of Health Science, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, 33140, Mersin, Turkey
Journal: Geriatric Nursing - July 2024, Volume 59, Pages 228-233 (DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2024.07.003)
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Field & Applications:
- Medical
- Gerontology / Ageing
- Injury prevention
- Balance / Postural control
- Musculoskeletal health
Changes in muscle and tendon stiffness may lead to falls in older adults by affecting joint stability and muscle function. This study aims to investigate the changes in stiffness in lower extremity muscles and tendons in the older adults with a fall history.
A cross-sectional research design was followed. 25 older adults with a fall history and 26 older adults without fall history were recruited study. Stiffness of the lower extremity muscles and tendons was measured using a MyotonPRO device. Balance and functional ability of the participants were evaluated.
The stiffness of all the selected muscles and tendon was lower in the older adults with a history of fall compared to controls (p<0.05).
The obtained results suggest the decrease in the stiffness of the lower extremity muscles and tendon may negatively affect muscle function and joint stability/ control, and it may increase the predisposition to falling in older adults.
Keywords: aged, falls, muscles, tendon, lower extremity, stiffness
The study found that older adults with a history of falls had lower stiffness in several muscles and tendons, including the biceps femoris, rectus femoris, tibialis anterior, medial gastrocnemius, Achilles tendon, and patellar tendon, compared to non-fallers. Additionally, the stiffness of the patellar tendon and Achilles tendon, as well as the tibialis anterior muscle, was found to be correlated with balance and physical performance. The results indicate that a reduction in stiffness of the muscles and/or tendons in the lower extremities is linked to an increased risk of falls in older adults. Evaluating the stiffness of tendons and muscles by MyotonPRO, which is a cost-effective and practiced method, can be utilized to determine the risk of falling on inpatient, outpatient, or community-dwelling older adults in medical practice by nurses, physiotherapists, or other health professionals. Conversely, an approach that increases the stiffness of tendons and/or muscles may be employed to prevent falls in older adults.