Decrease in required coefficient of friction due to smaller lean angle during turning in older adults

We investigated age-related differences in the required coefficient of friction (RCOF) during 90 ° turning, the difference of RCOF during step and spin turn, and how affects observed differences. Sixteen healthy young and healthy older adults (eight men and eight women in each group) participated. Participants performed 90° step and spin turns to the right at a self-selected normal speed. Old er adults turned with lower RCOF than the young adults during both step and spin turns. This was associated with reduced mediolateral (ML) RCOF component (RCOFML) for the older adults.
Source: Journal of Biomechanics - Category: Biomedical Science Authors: Source Type: research