Actively Recruiting
Impacts and Mechanisms of Age and Muscle Fatigue on Postural Control and Force Control
Led by Chang Gung Memorial Hospital · Updated on 2026-02-12
140
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
C
Chang Gung Memorial Hospital
Lead Sponsor
C
Chang Gung University
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are examining how muscle fatigue affects balance and walking ability in healthy young adults aged 20 to 40 years and older adults aged 65 years and above. Muscle fatigue is a common problem in elderly people that can affect their posture, physical activity, and quality of life. This study aims to clarify how aging and muscle fatigue influence postural control and gait performance, focusing on fatigue in both upper and lower limbs. The study involves two laboratory sessions spaced at least one week apart. Participants will complete pre-test assessments, perform fatiguing exercises involving repeated maximal contractions with rest periods, and then undergo post-test assessments. Muscle fatigue will be induced in upper and lower extremities while monitoring heart rate and perceived exertion to maintain safety. Neuromuscular function will be evaluated using surface electromyography and electrical stimulation, while balance will be assessed with a force plate and gait parameters measured during walking at comfortable and fast speeds. Participants will be asked to walk independently and follow commands during the assessments. Researchers will measure various motor outcomes including maximal force, walking speed, step length, cadence, support times, swing time, and center of pressure metrics before and immediately after the fatigue exercises. Additional measures include oxygenated, deoxygenated, and total hemoglobin levels during different phases of the fatigue protocol. Statistical analyses will compare the effects of age and muscle fatigue on these motor functions to better understand their impact.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Impacts and Mechanisms of Age and Muscle Fatigue on Postural Control and Force Control
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Aged 20 to 40 years (young group) or 60 to 85 years (old group)
- Able to walk independently
- Able to follow commands with Mini Mental Status Exam (MMSE) scores greater than 21
- Able and willing to provide informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- Pregnancy
- Neurologic, psychiatric, cardiac, vascular, pulmonary, musculoskeletal, immune, or integumentary diseases that may affect the study
- Current loss of sensation in arms, wrists, hands, fingers, hips, knees, ankles, or toes
- Any pain at the time of testing
- Any restriction in range of motion of lower extremities
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - At least 1 week between sessions
Participants attend two laboratory sessions separated by at least one week, undergoing pre-test assessments, a fatiguing exercise protocol, and post-test assessments to measure muscle fatigue effects on postural control and gait performance.
2 in-person visits
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Chang Gung Memorial Hospital
Taoyuan, Taiwan
Actively Recruiting
2
Chang Gung University
Taoyuan, Taiwan
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
C
Chu-Ling Yen
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
1
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