Class
Article
College
College of Science
Department
English Department
Faculty Mentor
Sara A. Harper
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
Falls are a primary cause of injury and mortality among older adults with 28.7% reporting falling each year. Previous research has found lower limb asymmetries are not strictly due to strength differences or previous injury among young, healthy individuals. Our proposed strategy will assess aerobic capacity between limbs and quantify asymmetries by comparing VO2 peak and power in single limb cycling vs. double limb cycling tests. We hypothesis that individuals with asymmetries (limb differences) will have greater fall risk and worsened mobility than individuals without asymmetries. Our sampling will include individuals 65 years of age and older. Limb dominance will be assessed through the Waterloo Footedness Questionnaire-Revised. Participants will perform a double limb cycling test on visit two, measuring VO2 peak and power. On visits three and four, participants will perform single limb cycling tests measuring the same outcomes. Older adults with lower limb asymmetries may be at greater fall risk and worsen mobility. These results will assist researchers determine possible mechanisms involved including whether a dominant limb developed a higher oxidative potential or whether the non-dominant limb sets an ‘upper limit’ of oxygen delivery during double limb movement.
Location
Logan, UT
Start Date
4-8-2022 12:00 AM
Included in
Could Differences in Aerobic Capacity Between Lower Limbs Negatively Impact Mobility Among Older Adults?
Logan, UT
Falls are a primary cause of injury and mortality among older adults with 28.7% reporting falling each year. Previous research has found lower limb asymmetries are not strictly due to strength differences or previous injury among young, healthy individuals. Our proposed strategy will assess aerobic capacity between limbs and quantify asymmetries by comparing VO2 peak and power in single limb cycling vs. double limb cycling tests. We hypothesis that individuals with asymmetries (limb differences) will have greater fall risk and worsened mobility than individuals without asymmetries. Our sampling will include individuals 65 years of age and older. Limb dominance will be assessed through the Waterloo Footedness Questionnaire-Revised. Participants will perform a double limb cycling test on visit two, measuring VO2 peak and power. On visits three and four, participants will perform single limb cycling tests measuring the same outcomes. Older adults with lower limb asymmetries may be at greater fall risk and worsen mobility. These results will assist researchers determine possible mechanisms involved including whether a dominant limb developed a higher oxidative potential or whether the non-dominant limb sets an ‘upper limit’ of oxygen delivery during double limb movement.