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Regulation of angular impulse during fall recovery

Witaya Mathiyakom, PT, PhD; Jill L. McNitt-Gray, PhD

Figure. Orientation of resultant ground reaction force relative to total-body center of mass and lower-limb segments

A loss of balance, as shown by inability to maintain the total body center of mass (COM) position over the base of support (feet) during standing or walking, may lead to a fall. Stepping strategy has been found to be a strategy of choice for fall recovery in both younger and older adults. Both support and swing legs contribute to the successful recovery of a fall. Control of the lower-limb joints and coordination of multiple muscles are means for fall recovery that redirect the ground reaction force relative to the total body COM.


Volume 45 Number 8, 2008
   Pages 1237 — 1248

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