Biomechanical simulations of forward fall arrests: effects of upper extremity arrest strategy, gender and aging-related declines in muscle strength.
Computer simulation was used to predict the extent to which age-related muscle atrophy may adversely affect the safe arrest of a forward fall onto the arms. The biomechanical factors affecting the separate risks for wrist fracture or head impact were examined using a two-dimensional, 5-link, forward dynamic model. The hypothesis was tested in older females that age-related loss in muscular strength renders the use of the arms ineffective in arresting a forward fall without either a torso impact exceeding 0.5m/s or distal forearm loads sufficient to fracture the wrist. The results demonstrate that typical age-related decline in arm muscle strength substantially reduces the ability to arrest a forward fall without the elbows buckling and, therefore, a risk of torso and/or head impact. The model predicted that older women with below-average bone strength risk a Colles fracture when arresting typical falls, particularly with an extended arm.
DeGoede
Kurt M
KM
Biomechanics Research Laboratory, Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2125, USA.
Ashton-Miller
James A
JA
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004548:Elasticity; D005260:Female; D005542:Forearm / Q000502:physiology*; D005543:Forearm Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008954:Models, Biological; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012737:Sex Factors; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D019415:Torque; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000502:physiology