Identifying effective interventions is vitalin preventing slip-induced fall accidents in older adults. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy of moveable platform training in improving recovery reactions and reducing fall frequency in older adults. Twenty-four older adults were recruited and randomly assigned to two groups (training and control). Both groups underwent three sessions including baseline slip, training, and transfer of training on a slippery surface. Both groups experienced two slips on a slippery surface, one during the baseline and the other (after two weeks) during the transfer of training session. In the training session, the training group underwent twelve simulated slips using a moveable platform while the control group performed normal walking trials. Kinematic, kinetic, and EMG data were collected during all the sessions. Results indicated a reduced incidence of falls in the training group during the transfer of training trial as compared to the control group. The training group was able to transfer proactive and reactive control strategies learned during training to the second slip trial. The proactive adjustments include increased center-of-mass velocity and transitional acceleration after training. Reactive adjustments include reduction in muscle onset and time to peak activations of knee flexors and ankle plantarflexors, reduced ankle and knee coactivation, reduced slip displacement, and reduced time to peak knee flexion, trunk flexion, and hip flexion velocities. In general, the results indicated a beneficial effect of perturbation training in reducing slip severity and recovery kinematics in healthy older adults.

This study examines how lower extremity fatigue of the quadriceps alters gait variables related to slip propensity. Sixteen healthy young adults were recruited to walk across vinyl floor surfaces in states of fatigue and no fatigue. Kinematic and kinetic data were collected using a three-dimensional motion analysis system and force plates. The results indicated a significant increase in both the heel contact velocity and required coefficient of friction and a decrease in the transitional acceleration of the whole body center of mass and peak knee joint moment in the fatigue trials. Thus, suggesting that slip propensity could increase with fatigue. Additionally, there was increased knee flexion and reduced ankle dorsiflexion at the heel contact phase of the gait cycle during fatigue trials. These findings provide new insights into the biomechanical relationship between localized muscle fatigue and gait parameters associated with slip propensity. The present study concluded that localized muscle fatigue affects gait parameters and hence can be considered as a potential risk factor for slipinduced falls.

Slip-induced fall accidents continue to be a significant cause of fatal injuries and economic losses. Identifying the risk factors causing slip-induced falls is key to developing better preventive measures to reduce fall accidents. Although epidemiological studies suggest localised muscle fatigue may be one of the risk factors for slip-induced falls, there has been no documented biomechanical study examining the relationship between fatigue and fall accidents. As such, the overall objective of the current study was to investigate the effects of localised muscle fatigue of the quadriceps on the slip initiation and slip recovery phases of slip-induced falls. Sixteen healthy, young participants were recruited to walk across a vinyl floor surface in two different sessions (fatigue and no fatigue). Kinematic and kinetic data were collected using a 3-D motion analysis system and force plates during both sessions. Results suggest that localised muscle fatigue of the quadriceps affected various kinematic and kinetic gait variables that are linked with a higher risk of slip-induced falls. Additionally, the results indicated that localised muscle fatigue of the knee extensor muscle caused a delayed response in producing an effective joint moment and base of support using the trailing limb to recover from a fall. The findings from this study indicate that localised muscle fatigue is a potential risk factor causing slip-induced falls.

The purpose of the current study was to design and evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality training in improving recovery reactions and reducing fall frequency in older adults. Twenty-four older adults were recruited and randomly assigned to two groups (virtual reality training and control). Both groups underwent three sessions including baseline slip, training and transfer of training on slippery surface. Both groups experienced two slips, one during baseline and the other during the transfer of training trial. The training group underwent twelve simulated slips using a visual perturbation induced by tilting a virtual reality scene while walking on the treadmill and the control group performed normal walking during the training session. Kinematic and kinetic data were collected during all the sessions. Results demonstrated a reduced incidence of falls in the training group during the transfer of training trial as compared to the control group. The training group was able to transfer reactive control strategies learned during training to the second slip trial. The reactive adjustments included reduced slip distance. Additionally, gait parameters reflective of gait instability (stride length, step width, variability in stride velocity) reduced after walking in the VR environment for 15–20 min. The results indicated a beneficial effect of the virtual reality training in reducing slip severity and recovery kinematics in healthy older adults.

Workstyle seems to be a mediating factor for musculoskeletal pain, discomfort, and loss of productivity. Based on the study findings, it is recommended that intervention efforts directed towards prevention of musculoskeletal disorders should focus on psychosocial work factors such adverse workstyle in addition to biomechanical risk factors.