Publication Date

1-1-2012

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Hubbard, Christopher J.

Degree Name

B.S. (Bachelor of Science)

Legacy Department

Department of Biological Sciences

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to better understand why the older adults ranging from ages 30 - 75 years tend to be more prone to injury (especially knee injuries) during physical activity than when they took on the same activities as a young person ranging from ages 5-25 years. My hypothesis is that age causes deterioration in specific joint cartilage, bone strength, muscle and connective tissue composition. Changes in these factors in people’s knee joints as they age can influence wear and tear on the joint during running, playing sports, and lifting weights causing an increased incidence of injury. This topic is important, because it could explain how we can prevent injuries from happening as we grow older such as stretching methods, modalities to use, specific activities for improving strength in the knee, or possible types of shoes to wear in order to prevent injuries and help the knee stay stable. I feel that doing this project with show students how to take care of their bodies (knees) as they grow older. A decline in your physical abilities begins in the twenties, therefore students can take precautions in understanding why they cannot put so much pressure and impact on such a fragile joint in order to prevent themselves form surgeries and doctor visits.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references.

Extent

13, 6 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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