Mobility impairment in the elderly: Challenges for biomechanics research

Abstract

The problems of mobility impairment in the elderly constitute new and major challenges for biomechanics research. This paper outlines what some of the important problems are, discusses the relevance of biomechanics research to these problems, and reviews some of the current state of knowledge about factors related to the biomechanics of mobility impairments in the elderly. The population of old adults is growing rapidly and the incidence of mobility impairments in old adults is high. Mobility impairment biomechanics research is needed to make the assessments of impairments more precise, to design therapeutic programs that are more effective and to learn more about how mobility impairments can be prevented.

Mechanical and morphological properties of different muscle–tendon units in the lower extremity and running mechanics: effect of aging and physical activity

“…It is reasonable to assume that the age-related degeneration of the capacities of the biological system will reduce the functional motor performance capacity during daily activities. A clear example is the increased occurrence of falls during daily activities in the older subjects (for a review, see Schultz, 1992). However, humans are able to adapt and to modify their motor task organisation using sensory feedback information (Kagerer et al, 1997;McNay and Willingham, 1998;Pai et al, 2003).…”

Quantification of Trunk Motion in Response to Complex Platform Perturbations While Holding Weights in an Upright Posture

“…Schultz [37] discusses the causes of mobility impairments and its relationship to balance. According to him, the kinematic and kinetic parameters of activities (like ROM, muscle strength and joint torques requirements) are critical elements of balance maintenance and need to be identified and quantitatively documented so that they can be compared against maximum capacities.…”

“Muscular Fitness”—Easing the Burden of Disability for Elderly Adults

“…This is due to the limitations imposed on the ROM of particular joints and to the resultant effect on various aspects of daily functioning (Chakravarty & Webley, 1993;Schultz, 1992). Criteria for normal ranges of joint movement have been established by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) (1965).…”

“…Equally effective, however, as suggested by the studies cited above, may be a flexibility program designed to increase the ROM and decrease the stiffness of the muscles that oppose dorsiflexion. Others have also acknowledged the involvement of joint flexibility in gait parameters (Bowes et al, 1992;Koch, Gottschalk, Baker, Palumbo, & Tinetti, 1994;Schultz, 1992), and impairments in ROM as a risk factor for falls and mobility problems (Koch et al, 1994;Studenski, Duncan, & Chandler, 1991;Tinetti, Baker, & Garrett, 1993a). As with muscular strength and endurance therefore, if flexibility could be increased or maintained with training, the hope is that it would help to reduce either the incidence or the severity of ADL performance decrements, "thus preserving independence" (U.S. Department, 1990).…”