Despite the higher injury rate of falls on steps versus level ground, few studies have examined the influence of age and fall history on step descent. The purpose of this study was to determine the lead and trail limb neuromuscular function (peak joint moments and powers, electromyographic activity) differences between young females (n = 15) and older females with (n = 15) and without (n = 15) a fall history while descending a single step. Trail limb moments and powers did not differ between groups. Lead limb sagittal plane powers at the hip and knee were greater in the young adults. Electromyographic co-activation levels (knee and ankle) were not significantly different between groups. However, peroneal activation was greater in the older groups, which may have assisted in stabilizing the ankle joint in lieu of increased co-activation at the ankle. These results demonstrate consideration of step descent is important in working with older women at risk of falls.

尽管与水平地面相比，在台阶上跌倒的受伤率更高，但很少有研究检查年龄和跌倒史对台阶下降的影响。本研究的目的是确定年轻女性 ( n  = 15) 和有 ( n  = 15) 和无 ( n = 15) 下降一步时的跌倒历史。后肢力矩和力量在各组之间没有差异。年轻人的前肢髋关节和膝关节矢状面力量更大。肌电图共激活水平（膝盖和脚踝）在各组之间没有显着差异。然而，老年组的腓骨激活更大，这可能有助于稳定踝关节，而不是增加踝关节的共同激活。这些结果表明，在与有跌倒风险的老年妇女一起工作时，考虑阶梯下降很重要。