Physical Fatigue and its Effects on Postural Control and Cognitive Function in Older Adults
Conference Year
January 2019
Abstract
Authors: Book, N.R., Crosby, A.T., Mitson, A.C., Soto, M.O., Mohapatra, S.
Background: As the older adult population continues to age, the risk for falls becomes more prevalent and leads to higher rates of injury and mortality. Typical aging accounts for less mobile joints, decreased muscle force productions, reduced coordination, and cognitive decline, which all contribute to an increased risk of falling in older adults. Cognition and postural stability both play a role in a person’s ability to effectively ambulate. These two aspects are vital for the completion of activities of daily living (ADL’s). This study will investigate the effects of fatigue on postural control and cognitive function in older adults.
Methods: We will recruit approximately fifteen participants to complete standing balance and cognitive tasks. The standing balance tasks include bipedal and semi-tandem stance with eyes open and eyes closed. The cognitive tasks include memory, concentration, processing speed, attention and executive function through the NIH toolbox. Standing balance and cognition will be tested before and after the fatiguing exercise using a stationary bicycle. Muscle activity, kinematic data, forces and moments during postural sway will be measured
Results: Data collection is scheduled for completion by the end of March.
Discussion: After analyzing our results we would anticipate that there would be increased postural sway and decreased cognitive function after the fatiguing exercise.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Sambit Mohapatra
Status
Graduate
Student College
College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Program/Major
Physical Therapy
Primary Research Category
Health Sciences
Physical Fatigue and its Effects on Postural Control and Cognitive Function in Older Adults
Authors: Book, N.R., Crosby, A.T., Mitson, A.C., Soto, M.O., Mohapatra, S.
Background: As the older adult population continues to age, the risk for falls becomes more prevalent and leads to higher rates of injury and mortality. Typical aging accounts for less mobile joints, decreased muscle force productions, reduced coordination, and cognitive decline, which all contribute to an increased risk of falling in older adults. Cognition and postural stability both play a role in a person’s ability to effectively ambulate. These two aspects are vital for the completion of activities of daily living (ADL’s). This study will investigate the effects of fatigue on postural control and cognitive function in older adults.
Methods: We will recruit approximately fifteen participants to complete standing balance and cognitive tasks. The standing balance tasks include bipedal and semi-tandem stance with eyes open and eyes closed. The cognitive tasks include memory, concentration, processing speed, attention and executive function through the NIH toolbox. Standing balance and cognition will be tested before and after the fatiguing exercise using a stationary bicycle. Muscle activity, kinematic data, forces and moments during postural sway will be measured
Results: Data collection is scheduled for completion by the end of March.
Discussion: After analyzing our results we would anticipate that there would be increased postural sway and decreased cognitive function after the fatiguing exercise.