The effects of hip abductor fatigue on gait instability in older adults

Fatigue is a critical factor governing muscle force responsiveness and, thereby, capacity to respond to balance challenges. Mediolateral stability is crucial for older adults to safely navigate their daily environments and disproportionally requires active control; the hip abductors are the key muscles that regulate lateral foot placement and mediolateral stability. This research study draws a mechanistic link between hip abductor fatigue and its compromising effect when called upon to preserve lateral stability in older adults.