Fall Risk in Adults Over 65: The Relevance of Morphological and Functional Lower Limb Asymmetries.

A visual reaction-time assessment using programmable light pods. Participants respond as quickly as possible to randomly illuminated targets by tapping them, allowing measurement of response time, decision speed, and stimulus-reaction efficiency. Shorter reaction times indicate better neuromotor responsiveness, while longer delays may reflect reduced processing speed and increased fall-risk vulnerability.

A biomechanical assessment of walking performance using motion-capture technology. Spatiotemporal parameters (e.g., step length, gait speed, foot clearance) are recorded to evaluate dynamic stability, movement symmetry, and functional mobility, providing objective indicators associated with fall risk in older adults.

A self-reported measure of habitual physical activity. It quantifies weekly frequency and duration of walking, moderate activity, and vigorous activity, providing an estimate of overall activity level relevant to mobility and fall risk.

A validated questionnaire assessing fear of falling and confidence in performing daily activities. Higher scores indicate greater concern about falling, which is associated with reduced mobility and increased fall risk.

A screening tool for sarcopenia evaluating strength, assistance in walking, rising from a chair, climbing stairs, and fall history. Higher scores reflect impaired physical function and greater vulnerability to falls.

"The Fall Risk Questionnaire (FRQ) is a validated self-assessment tool. It has demonstrated good ability to identify older adults at risk of falling and to increase awareness of fall risk within this population.

Gold-standard method for assessing body composition. By using two X-ray energy levels, DEXA provides detailed information on bone mineral content, lean mass, and fat mass.

Bilateral knee and ankle flexor and extensor strength is assessed using a pressure-based dynamometer. The protocol includes the measurement of Maximum Voluntary Contraction (MVC, N). All force signals are sampled at high frequency and processed through filtering and normalization procedures to ensure accurate extraction of mechanical parameters.

Bilateral knee and ankle flexor and extensor power is assessed using a pressure-based dynamometer. The protocol includes the measurement of Rate of Force Development (RFD, kg/s through standardized isometric contractions. All force signals are sampled at high frequency and processed through filtering and normalization procedures to ensure accurate extraction of mechanical parameters.

Neuromuscular activity of the knee and ankle flexor and extensor are evaluated using high-density surface electromyography (HD-sEMG) with the Sessantaquattro+ system (OTBioelettronica). The electrode matrices allow spatially detailed mapping of muscle activation. EMG signals undergo preprocessing including filtering, artifact removal, and time-alignment with strength trials to provide an integrated characterization of neuromuscular function.

This test identifies lower-limb dominance by observing which limb the participant naturally uses first when stepping onto a raised platform.

This test determines limb dominance based on the leg used to kick a ball or target. The dominant lower limb is the one the participant naturally selects for kicking.

This test identifies dominance by evaluating which limb the participant relies on to regain stability after a perturbation. The dominant limb is typically the one that steps first when balance is unexpectedly challenged.