A 76-year-old individual fell while he was at home and, after some months, he is still afraid and is rigid in his joints both in standing and walking.
A. an excessive tonic contraction of the inferior limb flexor muscles
B. an excessive tonic contraction of the limb extensor muscles
C. an excessive tonic contraction extensor and flexor muscles of the whole inferior limb
D. an excessive tonic contraction of the quadriceps muscles
E. an excessive tonic contraction of the inferior limb triceps muscles
Answer (1)
The situation described in the question involves a 76-year-old individual who experienced a fall and subsequently developed stiffness and fear, likely due to trauma, which can affect neuromuscular function.
In terms of the options given:
a. An excessive tonic contraction of the inferior limb flexor muscles: This would mean the muscles that help in bending the limbs are excessively contracted. However, this isn't typically associated with rigidity affecting both standing and walking, as flexion usually affects other movements.
b. An excessive tonic contraction of the limb extensor muscles: The extensor muscles help in straightening the joints, and excessive contraction here can cause stiffness, although this alone might not fully explain the observed effects.
c. An excessive tonic contraction of the extensor and flexor muscles of the whole inferior limb: This option indicates that both the muscles that straighten and bend the limb are overly contracted, which could indeed result in joint rigidity and difficulties in standing and walking. This is a more comprehensive explanation of the scenario.
Choice c seems to be the most comprehensive explanation for the individual's condition as it covers excessive contractions in both the flexor and extensor muscles, potentially explaining the observed stiffness and difficulty in movement.
The fear of falling again, referred to as 'post-fall syndrome,' is common in elderly individuals after a significant fall incident. This psychological aspect, combined with the physical changes, can lead to decreased mobility and stability, further increasing the risk of falls.
