[Electromyography study of the anterior tibial muscle and accidental falls in the elderly]

This article investigates if surface electromyography of the tibialis anterior muscle during rest, maximal contraction and balance stressing pick out elderly people at risk for falling. With a same view postural responses underlying balance control were recorded as well. Four groups were compared: an experimental group composed of nursing home residents (n = 15) with three or more unexplained falls in the prior year, a nonfalling control group of nursing home residents (n = 15) of equivalent age, a group of subjects (n = 15) in middle age and finally a group of young participants (n = 15). EMG activity during maximal contraction of the tibialis anterior muscle was significantly lower in the falling group and the postural responses during balance testing were inappropriate.