Electromyographic reaction time in older female fallers and non-fallers after postural perturbation

Abstract

The electromyographic reaction time (ERT) reflects the magnitude and speed with which muscles are activated to perform movements, to prevent injuries, or to position a joint. This parameter can be used to analyze postural control performance after an external perturbation and can be correlated with the possibility of falls in older adults. The objective of this study was to determine the ERT of the internal oblique, rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, tibialis anterior, multifidus, gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, and lateral gastrocnemius muscles to balance threats in older adults with and without a history of falls. Twenty-nine physically active and noninstitutionalized women aged 60 years or older were divided into two groups: fallers (n=13; 72.4 ± 8.0 years) and nonfallers (n=16; 67.8 ± 6.8 years). The ERT of the muscles tested did not differ significantly between groups following forward or backward perturbations. The results suggest that the activation of the muscles tested in response to forward or backward perturbations is not a determinant factor of falls.