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The Locomotor System

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5 views

The Locomotor System

Uploaded by

bamuolmaborzol
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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LOCOMOTOR SYSTEM

Muscles
Atrophy affecting both number and size of
fibres conditioned by metabolic disorder
and ‘functional denervation’.
Weakness attributable to biochemical or
hormonal deficiency
Bones
By 60–70 years, skeletal mass may be
reduced to half that at age 30.
Atrophy = osteoporosis and osteomalacia Loss of muscle bulk, degenerative joint changes and a decline in physical strength cause limitation of
If dietary intake of vitamins and calcium is range and speed of movement. Disability ensues as a combined effect of muscular weakness, joint
poor, this will increase the problem stiffness and impaired central mechanism for sensorimotor performance, so there is:
A person is at higher risk of fracture as they 1. Less precision in fine movements and in rapid alternating movements
age. a specific injury will have more 2. Irregular timing of action, loss of smooth flow of one form of action into another
immediate effects and limitations due to 3. Slowing down to avoid outcome of one action before planning the next.
added pain and swelling, both of which will Confidence and reliability of action may be reduced.
hinder range in the joint and mobility of the The individual may experience difficulty with intricate tasks (worse if complicated by uncompensated
muscle. visual defect).
Joints
By age 65, 80% of the population has some Stooped posture, loss of height, other distortions owing to atrophy and effect of weakness in skeleton
articular disorder. Loss of resilience and and major muscle groups become responsible for posture and antigravity support.
elasticity in ligaments, cartilage and The result is a more flexed, tired posture with altered biomechanics, muscle imbalance, and slowly
periarticular tissues. Degeneration occurs decreasing range in joints and overall decrease in safety. The therapist may have to provide walking aids
with erosion, and calcification of cartilage and order a wheelchair for the person if necessary.
and capsule. There is a gradual reduction in
collagen but not in the water content.
Bunions, subluxation of small joints in
hands and feet are common, as are painful Many older adults respond well to treatments such as heat, ice or massage before you start on an
feet and other chiropody problems. exercise regime. Prolonged rest and periods of non-weight bearing will weaken bone and muscles so do
Proprioception and general sensation may not allow the person to lay idle in bed unless you are specifically told not to intervene. A similar problem
be decreased if changes to muscle and can be seen in pathologies such as arthritis, osteoporosis and recurrent falls, where the problem is often
joints are compounded by nerve damage. compounded by the person’s own fear of further injury if they do too much. Take time to educate
individuals properly about their condition as it often ensures their participation in a session, as opposed
to resistance

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