Effects of Quadriceps Fatigue on Knee Joint Kinetics during Slip Induced Falls

INTRODUCTION Occupationally induced localized muscular fatigue (LMF) has been recently identified as one of the major intrinsic factors contributing to slip and fall accidents [1]. Although there has been a reduction of heavy work due to growing technological advances, some occupations such as construction, and forestry still demand intense physical work. Literature indicates that a third of the U.S. workforce exerts significant physical strength as part of their jobs, and experience fatigue at their work places [2]. While epidemiological studies link the incidence of slip-induced falls with LMF, the mechanism associated with fatigue and its relationship with slip-induced fall accidents still remains unclear. The purpose of the present study was to examine how lower extremity fatigue (quadriceps femoris) alters joint moment and increases slip severity.