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Details

Risk Factors and Controls for Falls from Heights.

PB2013106551

Publication Date	2008
Personal Author	Nussbaum, M. A.; Madigan, M. L.
Page Count	153
Abstract	Falls from heights are a major problem in both industry and general society when measured in terms of economic losses and human suffering. Given that most of these falls are believed to result from a loss of balance, appropriate strategies to address the problem of falls should focus on improving balance control. Existing research has identified a number of major extrinsic and intrinsic factors involved in the control of balance. Only recently has another intrinsic factor, localized muscle fatigue, been shown to influence balance control. Additional research is needed to further our understanding of how fatigue contributes to loss of balance and falls. To address these needs, three projects were completed using laboratory experiments and biomechanical modeling to investigate and mitigate the effects of localized muscle fatigue on balance control. An additional focus in these projects was on whether and to what extent the effects of fatigue might differ with aging, given the increasing age of the contemporary workforce.
Keywords	Occupational safety and health Industrial accidents Falls Age factors Epidemiology Fatigue Humans Labor force Muscles Musculoskeletal system Physical fitness Physiology Risk factors
Source Agency	National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Corporate Authors	Virginia Tech. Inst., Blacksburg, VA.; National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Atlanta, GA.
Supplemental Notes	Sponsored by National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Atlanta, GA.
Document Type	Technical Report
Title Note	Final rept.
NTIS Issue Number	201315

Risk Factors and Controls for Falls from Heights.

Risk Factors and Controls for Falls from Heights.
PB2013106551

Publication Date	2008
Personal Author	Nussbaum, M. A.; Madigan, M. L.
Page Count	153
Abstract	Falls from heights are a major problem in both industry and general society when measured in terms of economic losses and human suffering. Given that most of these falls are believed to result from a loss of balance, appropriate strategies to address the problem of falls should focus on improving balance control. Existing research has identified a number of major extrinsic and intrinsic factors involved in the control of balance. Only recently has another intrinsic factor, localized muscle fatigue, been shown to influence balance control. Additional research is needed to further our understanding of how fatigue contributes to loss of balance and falls. To address these needs, three projects were completed using laboratory experiments and biomechanical modeling to investigate and mitigate the effects of localized muscle fatigue on balance control. An additional focus in these projects was on whether and to what extent the effects of fatigue might differ with aging, given the increasing age of the contemporary workforce.
Keywords	Occupational safety and health Industrial accidents Falls Age factors Epidemiology Fatigue Humans Labor force Muscles Musculoskeletal system Physical fitness Physiology Risk factors
Source Agency	National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Corporate Authors	Virginia Tech. Inst., Blacksburg, VA.; National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Atlanta, GA.
Supplemental Notes	Sponsored by National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Atlanta, GA.
Document Type	Technical Report
Title Note	Final rept.
NTIS Issue Number	201315