Correlation between the maximum force symmetry and the force variability symmetry of the plantar muscles flexors with the posture control

• Grant number: 17/05174-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2017
• End date: August 31, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physical Education
• Principal Investigator: Matheus Machado Gomes
• Grantee: Nilson Ribeiro dos Santos Silva
• Host Institution: Escola de Educação Física e Esporte de Ribeirão Preto (EEFERP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The significant increase in the number of elderly people in our society raises concerns related to the quality of life and health of this population. At that age, the decrease of postural control, increases the probability of falls, which occurs once a year in 30% of the elderly. Previous studies have shown that the force variability of the plantar flexor muscles and the maximal force symmetry of the lower limbs are associated with the posture control and the occurrence of falls, respectively. Although, there still doubts if a symmetry in the force variability of the lower limbs is also a factor related to the posture control. The aim of the present study is to analyze the relationship between the force variability symmetry and variability of body oscillation in elderly women. Posture control data will be collected with a force platform. Each volunteer will remain 30 seconds stand on this platform for the collection of data regarding to the displacement of center of pressure in the anteroposterior and mid-lateral directions. To measure the force variability, an equipment with a coupled load cell, specifically built for this purpose, will be used. The elderly volunteers will remain seated on the equipment with the hip at 90 °, knees at 30 ° of flexion, ankles at 90 ° and parallel feet, being asked to maintain an isometric movement of plantar flexion at 5 and 10% of the maximum force. Our hypothesis is that there is a relationship between the variation of center for pressure oscillation and the force variability symmetry of the plantar flexor muscles. In general, the study seeks to provide a better understanding of the mechanisms that lead the postural control system, allowing better interventions to reduce the incidence of falls in the elderly. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

BARBOSA, ROBERTO N.; SILVA, NILSON R. S.; SANTOS, DANIEL P. R.; MORAES, RENATO; GOMES, MATHEUS M.. Force stability training decreased force variability of plantar flexor muscles without reducing postural sway in female older adults. GAIT & POSTURE, v. 77, p. 288-292, MAR 2020. (17/05174-8)

FUJITA, RAFAEL A.; SILVA, NILSON R. S.; BEDO, BRUNO L. S.; SANTIAGO, PAULO R. P.; GENTIL, V, PAULO R.; GOMES, MATHEUS M.. Mind-Muscle Connection: Limited Effect of Verbal Instructions on Muscle Activity in a Seated Row Exercise. PERCEPTUAL AND MOTOR SKILLS, v. 127, n. 5, MAY 2020. (17/05174-8, 10/20538-7)