Research has shown that older adults who have experienced a previous fall are 60-70% more likely to suffer future falls. A study was conducted to investigate if stress and anxiety associated with a fear of falling contributes to the increased incidents of falls among older adults. The investigation compared physiological parameters, with biomechanical parameters of walking for twenty-eight participants in two age groups: (18-35) and (65 or older). Both age groups were evaluated while walking over dry and slippery floor surfaces. Biomechanical parameters included: step length, required coefficient of friction (RCOF), slip distance, and heel contact velocity. Physiological parameters included: stress and anxiety. Overall, the results indicated that there were differences between older and younger adult's biomechanical parameters of walking, and their physiological stress and anxiety associated with an inadvertent slip. Younger adult's normal RCOF was higher and their normal step length was longer compared to older adults. Older adult's stress level after a slip was significantly higher than younger adults. However, younger and older adult's anxiety scores were not significantly different. Furthermore, younger and older adults modified their step length differently to avoid slipping, when walking over the slippery floor surface. It was concluded that some anxiety and stress may be beneficial in reducing the occurrence of inadvertent slips and falls due to an increased awareness of one's external environment. / Master of Science

Previous research has shown that with advancing age, there are increasing incidences of slip and fall injuries. Understanding mechanisms associated with gait adjustments across a known slippery surface may help in proactively avoiding slips and falls. The primary goal of this study involved examination of gait parameters and muscle activity characteristics of the lower extremities during two different walking conditions. Research has shown that both physical and mental changes accompany the aging process in humans. Moreover, research has shown that emotions and physiological responses are related. A secondary goal of this study was to examine the relationships of fear of falling with gait parameters and muscle activity. This study consisted of exposing 14 younger and 14 older participants to controlled slippery conditions safely, while studying normal and adjusted gait characteristics (friction requirement, heel contact velocity, and step length) and muscle activity characteristics (Integrated EMG). First, a baseline measure was done to study normal gait prior to any exposure to slipping. A second measure was done following a slip from a contaminated floor surface, but before the initiation of a second slip. The results indicate that there were significant gait parameter differences between younger and older participants for both walking conditions. Results also indicate that there were differences in muscle activity between to the two age groups for the adjusted condition. Findings suggest that older individuals require an additional step to properly adjust gait for a contaminated walking surface. / Master of Science