The effect of postural threat on fall-recovery following a lab-induced trip

The mechanisms by which fear of falling (FoF) increases fall risk are not well understood. While increased arousal and anxiety in response to perceived postural threat is known to affect postural control during standing and following non-stepping perturbations, the effect on stepping responses remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare neuromechanics of fall recovery between groups of healthy young that responded to a trip on level ground or on a raised platform. Reaction time and activity of the soleus was reduced following a trip on a raised platform. While certain aspects of the trip-recovery response may be impacted by increased postural threat, future work is needed to quantify the effects on fall-recovery in older adults or those with FoF.