Muscle and tendon stiffness of lower extremity in older adults with fall history: Stiffness effect on physical performance and fall risk

Changes in muscle and tendon stiffness may lead to falls in older adults by affecting joint stability and muscle function. This study aims to investigate the changes in stiffness in lower extremity muscles and tendons in the older adults with a fall history. A cross-sectional research design was followed. 25 older adults with a fall history and 26 older adults without fall history were recruited study. Stiffness of the lower extremity muscles and tendons was measured using a MyotonPRO device. Balance and functional ability of the participants were evaluated. The stiffness of all the selected muscles and tendon was lower in the older adults with a history of fall compared to controls (p<0.05). The obtained results suggest the decrease in the stiffness of the lower extremity muscles and tendon may negatively affect muscle function and joint stability/ control, and it may increase the predisposition to falling in older adults.