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Older Adults: What Their Power Says About Falls
Monday, February 23, 2026
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A recent study examined how speed of lifting, muscle imaging, strength tests, and daily habits differ between seniors who have fallen versus those who haven’t.
- Participants: 62 seniors (average age ~68)
- Procedure: Three lab visits, each featuring a five‑repetition sit‑to‑stand test with machine‑measured velocity and force, producing a load‑velocity profile (LVP).
Key Assessments
- Strength Tests: Leg extension, grip strength, chair‑rise speed.
- Balance and Functional Mobility evaluated during the sit‑to‑stand trials.
- Ultrasound Imaging: Tibialis anterior thickness and echogenicity (brightness).
- Questionnaires: Daily activity, pain levels, overall well‑being.
Findings
| Group | LVP Power & Theoretical Load | Leg Extension & Grip Strength | Ultrasound Brightness | Muscle Thickness | Quality of Life |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non‑Fallers | Higher power, greater load at slow speeds | Superior strength metrics | Lower brightness (less fatty/fibrotic tissue) | Similar to fallers | Better physical function, less pain, improved mental health |
| Fallers | Lower power and load | Weaker strength | Brighter images (more fatty tissue/fibrosis) | Similar thickness | Worse physical function, more pain, poorer mental health |
Insights
- LVP effectively discriminates fallers from non‑fallers.
- The strongest predictor of LVP power is leg extension strength and prior fall history.
These results underscore the importance of targeted leg strengthening and monitoring muscle quality to reduce fall risk in older adults.
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