Body Composition and Fall Risk in Older Adults: Investigating the Influence of Fat Free Mass

Mason R. Wodicker
Dr. John Palazzolo, Faculty Mentor

Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults, often resulting in long-term disability, reduced quality of life, or even death (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024). While obesity and high fat mass have been widely studied as contributors to fall risk, less attention has been given to the role of fat-free mass (FFM) in maintaining postural control. This study aims to investigate the relationship between fat-free mass and static postural control performance in adults aged 60 and older. Using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) to assess body composition and a BTrackS force plate to measure postural sway, we will examine whether higher fat-free mass is associated with improved postural control. Understanding this relationship could help inform more targeted fall prevention strategies that focus not only on reducing fat mass but also on preserving lean tissue. 

 

Keywords: 

Topic(s):Exercise Science

Presentation Type: Oral Presentation

Session: TBA
Location: TBA
Time: TBA