Man-Ying Wang1, Sean Flanagan, Joo-Eun Song, Gail A Greendale, George J Salem. 1. Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Research Laboratory, Department of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 E. Alcazar St., CHP-155, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To characterize the lower-extremity biomechanics associated with stepping activities in older adults. DESIGN: Repeated-measures comparison of kinematics and kinetics associated with forward step-up and lateral step-up activities. BACKGROUND: Biomechanical analysis may be used to assess the effectiveness of various 'in-home activities' in targeting appropriate muscle groups and preserving functional strength and power in elders. METHODS: Data were analyzed from 21 participants (mean 74.7 yr (standard deviation, 4.4 yr)) who performed the forward and lateral step-up activities while instrumented for biomechanical analysis. Motion analysis equipment, inverse dynamics equations, and repeated measures ANOVAs were used to contrast the maximum joint angles, peak net joint moments, angular impulse, work, and power associated with the activities. RESULTS: The lateral step-up resulted in greater maximum knee flexion (P<0.001) and ankle dorsiflexion angles (P<0.01). Peak joint moments were similar between exercises. The forward step-up generated greater peak hip power (P<0.05) and total work (P<0.001); whereas, the lateral step-up generated greater impulse (P<0.05), work (P<0.01), and power (P<0.05) at the knee and ankle. CONCLUSIONS: In older adults, the forward step-up places greater demand on the hip extensors, while lateral step-up places greater demand on the knee extensors and ankle plantar flexors. RELEVANCE: Clinicians may use data from biomechanical analyses of in-home exercises to more effectively target specific lower-extremity muscle groups when prescribing exercise activities for older adults. The forward step-up is recommended for maintaining or improving hip extensor performance; whereas, the lateral step-up is recommended when targeting the knee extensors and ankle plantar flexors.
OBJECTIVE: To characterize the lower-extremity biomechanics associated with stepping activities in older adults. DESIGN: Repeated-measures comparison of kinematics and kinetics associated with forward step-up and lateral step-up activities. BACKGROUND: Biomechanical analysis may be used to assess the effectiveness of various 'in-home activities' in targeting appropriate muscle groups and preserving functional strength and power in elders. METHODS: Data were analyzed from 21 participants (mean 74.7 yr (standard deviation, 4.4 yr)) who performed the forward and lateral step-up activities while instrumented for biomechanical analysis. Motion analysis equipment, inverse dynamics equations, and repeated measures ANOVAs were used to contrast the maximum joint angles, peak net joint moments, angular impulse, work, and power associated with the activities. RESULTS: The lateral step-up resulted in greater maximum knee flexion (P<0.001) and ankle dorsiflexion angles (P<0.01). Peak joint moments were similar between exercises. The forward step-up generated greater peak hip power (P<0.05) and total work (P<0.001); whereas, the lateral step-up generated greater impulse (P<0.05), work (P<0.01), and power (P<0.05) at the knee and ankle. CONCLUSIONS: In older adults, the forward step-up places greater demand on the hip extensors, while lateral step-up places greater demand on the knee extensors and ankle plantar flexors. RELEVANCE: Clinicians may use data from biomechanical analyses of in-home exercises to more effectively target specific lower-extremity muscle groups when prescribing exercise activities for older adults. The forward step-up is recommended for maintaining or improving hip extensor performance; whereas, the lateral step-up is recommended when targeting the knee extensors and ankle plantar flexors.
Authors: Sean Flanagan; George J Salem; Man-Ying Wang; Serena E Sanker; Gail A Greendale Journal: Med Sci Sports Exerc Date: 2003-04 Impact factor: 5.411
Authors: Jonathan Bean; Seth Herman; Dan K Kiely; Damien Callahan; Kelly Mizer; Walter R Frontera; Roger A Fielding Journal: J Am Geriatr Soc Date: 2002-04 Impact factor: 5.562
Authors: Man-Ying Wang; Sean P Flanagan; Joo-Eun Song; Gail A Greendale; George J Salem Journal: Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) Date: 2006-04-21 Impact factor: 2.063
Authors: Jacqueline Louise Mair; Luca Laudani; Giuseppe Vannozzi; Giuseppe De Vito; Colin Boreham; Andrea Macaluso Journal: Eur J Appl Physiol Date: 2014-02-07 Impact factor: 3.078
Authors: Sean P Flanagan; Man-Ying Wang; Gail A Greendale; Stanley P Azen; George J Salem Journal: J Strength Cond Res Date: 2004-08 Impact factor: 3.775
Authors: Man-Ying Wang; Sean S-Y Yu; Rami Hashish; Sachithra D Samarawickrame; Leslie Kazadi; Gail A Greendale; George Salem Journal: BMC Complement Altern Med Date: 2013-01-09 Impact factor: 3.659
Authors: Doris S F Yu; Shamay S M Ng; Diana T F Lee; Kai Chow Choi; Parco M F Siu; Lisa P L Low; Jean Woo Journal: Trials Date: 2018-01-25 Impact factor: 2.279