The effects of calf muscle length on fatigue in older adults
Compared to younger adults, older adults operate their calf muscles at shorter lengths due to an age-related decrease in Achilles tendon stiffness. The purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis that shorter calf muscle fascicle lengths precipitate earlier and faster rates of local muscle fatigability.
Age & Gender
- 65 years ~ 85 years
- Male, Female, Gender Inclusive
Visit Availability
- Standard business hours (M-F, 8-5)
- Extended hours (M-F, early morning or evening)
- Weekend hours, if needed
Location
What will be asked of you
For your visit to lab, we will have you fill out a questionnaire then perform a fatiguing task while sitting on a chair designed to fatigue your calf muscles. You will then take a break for 25 minutes before beginning your second round of the fatiguing task.
Incentives
parking reimbursement
1
1 2-hour visit to lab
Looking for Healthy Volunteers
Requirements for healthy volunteers are different than for those with a specific condition. If you are interested in becoming a healthy volunteer for this study, use the below categories to determine if you are able to participate.
Able to participate:
- Are 65-85 years old
Not eligible if:
- you've had a foot/leg injury in the last 6 months
- you have a neurological, cardiopulmonary, or musculoskeletal disease
- you use an assistive walking device
Contact the Team
Visit Location
Contact & Visit Location
Primary Contact
- Anh Nguyen
- anguyen4@unc.edu
- (984) 322-8002
Primary Visit Location
UNC Applied Biomechanics Lab
Mary Ellen Jones Building (UNC-Chapel Hill)
116 Manning Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
Additional Study Information
Principal Investigator
Jason Franz
Biomedical Engineering - Undergraduate
Study Type
Behavioral or Social
Observational
Study Topics
Bones, Joints, Muscles
Healthy Volunteer or General Population
Wellness and Lifestyle
Movement
IRB Number
23-1615
