Effects of unilateral lower limb eccentric training on neuromuscular and musculoskeletal characteristics associated with fall risk in older people (360G-Wellcome-211863_Z_18_Z)

Age-related musculoskeletal functional decline is multifaceted with comorbidities including sarcopenia, osteoporosis, compromised strength and balance, limiting the capacity to perform daily activities and increasing fall risk. Therapeutic activities to alleviate this decline often have poor adherence, and therefore efficacy, in elderly populations as a low aerobic capacity and fear of falling limits exercise tolerance. A previous project confirmed the efficacy of chair-based eccentric exercise targeting the hip and knee muscle groups to improve muscle strength and mass in older people, however balance remained unchanged. The current project has been designed with these findings and the requirements of older people in mind. The project will examine the impact of unilateral eccentric contractions that simulate loaded downhill walking using newly developed equipment (BTE Eccentron). However, the exercise will be modified to ensure the ankle muscle group is targeted specifically to improve the likelihood of influencing balance in addition to muscle mass and strength. Cognitive attentional demands (visual feedback) will require subjects to match the predetermined intensity during every ‘step’, also improving engagement throughout the entire activity. Key goals include: 1. Identify adaptations and size of effect 2. Disseminate findings rapidly in high-impact international journals 3. Provide evidence-base for larger funding applications