Study on How Age and Muscle Fatigue Affect Balance and Movement in Healthy Adults Aged 20 to 85

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.

Impacts and Mechanisms of Age and Muscle Fatigue on Postural Control and Force Control