Challenges with balance among older adults and those with Parkinson’s disease might stem from excessive bodily effort, rather than insufficient activity. Recent scientific findings indicate that both the brain and muscles exhibit heightened activity even in response to slight disruptions. Paradoxically, this heightened response actually hinders effective balance restoration. Concurrently, muscles may stiffen in opposition to one another, leading to decreased movement stability. This surprising pattern could offer valuable insights into predicting individuals at higher risk of falls.
By Rupert Blackwood
Investigative journalist based in Sheffield, focusing on technology's impact on society. Rupert specializes in cybercrime's effect on communities, from online fraud targeting elderly residents to cryptocurrency scams. His reporting examines social media manipulation, digital surveillance, and how criminal networks operate in cyberspace. With expertise in computer systems, he connects technical complexity with real-world consequences for ordinary people