Static and Dynamic Balance After Ankle Plantarflexor Fatigue in Older Adults

ABSTRACT

Aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate how fatigue of the ankle plantarflexors would affect both static and dynamic standing balance in a healthy older population. Understanding how conditions of muscle fatigue may effect balance control of older adults may lend insight to rehabilitation strategies useful for the screening and prevention of fall risks. Methods: 18 healthy older adults (mean age = 74.67 years) were randomly divided into either a fatigue group or a control group. Baseline measurements were collected using the NeuroCom Smart® Balance Master's limits of stability (LOS) test and the sensory organization test (SOT). Participants in the control group rested for 5 min after the baseline testing and then repeated the tests, while participants in the fatigue group repeated the tests after performing heel raises until they became fatigued. Results: LOS parameters decreased after muscle fatigue but were significant only for the interaction of directional control (DCL). The findings for SOT were nonsignificant. Conclusion: This research suggests that plantarflexor fatigue may have a negative effect on the DCL of an older adult when challenging their LOS and therefore may decrease their ability to avoid a fall.

KEYWORDS:

• Fatigue
• plantarflexors
• balance
• elderly

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the assistance of the following clinicians in the data collection process: Catherine Burgess, PT, DPT, Phillip Dimotsantos, PT, DPT, Aaron P. Somerhalder, PT, DPT, Tyler Wild, PT, DPT.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.