BACKGROUND: This study aimed to establish some common specific features and patterns in the falls among elders by using 4-dimensional muscloskeletal analyzing system in order to prevent falls with the clinical exercise approach. METHODS: The participants of this study were 5 community-dwelling females and a man. The history of falls was determined by self or proxy report in a clinical interview. Every participant agreed with the purpose of this study and gave an informed consent. Position markers for the motion analyse of stair climbing and falling were attached on his or her back knee and foot. Motion capture data were obtained from positions of these markers in the three-dimensional space during the movement tasks. Surface electromyography of muscles of the subjects were also recorded simultaneously. Then the muscloskeletal model of the human lower extremity was constructed from the MRI, which applied the data of the motion capture and the electromyography. Thus the motion and the muscle contraction were visualized as four dimensions. The subjects gave the method of exercise in the base of the data, and performed it for ninety days. RESULTS: The subjects improved the muscle contraction around the knee, and the virtual reality model were useful for the education to the subjects. CONCLUSION: By visualizing muscle contraction corresponded the motion, this system distinguished keenly the risk for fall of the elders, and our work may extend the possibilities of useful clinical applications for preventing falls.

DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.23/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE