Using Predictive Simulations to Reduce Fall Risks in Aging Populations

A research team from Germany and the Netherlands, including scientists from the University of Bayreuth, has explored how age-related physiological changes contribute to the increased likelihood of falling among older adults. Employing advanced computer simulation techniques, they analyzed various scenarios, such as stepping down from curbs or stairs, considering the decline in muscle strength and nerve signal speed that naturally occurs with age. Their study, published in Scientific Reports, highlights how these changes impact movement strategies and fall risk.

As people age, the interaction between muscles and the nervous system alters: muscles tend to weaken, and nerve signals transmit more slowly, influencing balance and coordination. When stepping down, healthy younger individuals instinctively activate calf muscles before contact to control descent, adjusting their center of gravity early. Conversely, older adults often shift toward relying on thigh muscles, a strategy that may be less precise due to diminished muscle strength and delayed nerve responses.

"The shift in movement strategy with age may be linked to the loss of muscle strength and slower nerve transmission," explains PD Dr. Roy Müller from the Bayreuth Center for Sports Science. To better understand these mechanisms, Müller and Dr. Lucas Schreff used computer simulations to model step-down scenarios with varying degrees of muscle weakness and neural delay.

Simulation results revealed that diminished muscle strength in older adults narrows the range of safe movement options, demanding more precise muscle coordination to avoid falls. When combined with other age-related impairments, like poor eyesight, the risk increases significantly, especially with minor miscalculations.

Interestingly, the study suggests that the control strategy involving increased thigh muscle activity might require less exact coordination compared to calf muscle activation. This insight could pave the way for targeted strength training and exercises aimed at maintaining or restoring more effective movement strategies in aging populations.

In summary, understanding how age-related changes affect movement can inform preventive measures. The team’s findings emphasize the importance of muscle strength preservation and perceptual training to reduce fall risks and enhance safety among older adults.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-simulations-minimize-falls-older-age.html