Predicted effects of strength training on the ability of older adults to recover from a backward balance loss

Muscle weakness due to disuse could impair the ability of older adults to prevent a backward fall. A musculoskeletal model is thus being used to predict the effect of strength training of selected muscle groups on older adults’ ability to restore static balance after a recovery step from a backward balance loss. The feasible region for balance recovery is being mapped for five conditions of simulated strength training. Preliminary results indicate that strengthening the dorsiflexors improves the ability to restore static balance, whereas strengthening the knee and/or hip extensors has little effect.