Localized muscle fatigue has been demonstrated to compromise postural control, yet potential differential effects of the site of fatigue have not been determined. In this study, the effects of short-term induced fatigue in four muscle groups (shoulder, torso, knee, and ankle) on standing sway were determined. Sixteen young participants were required to perform fatiguing sub-maximal isotonic exercises. Postural sway was recorded using a force plate before and after the exercises. Fatigue induced at the ankle and torso was found to have largest adverse effects on postural control. These results have implications for the control of fatigue-related falls and the design of future experiments.
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