11.9 Conditions Impacting Movement
In addition to injuries, several conditions can impact the way we move and function. This section will discuss how neurological, musculoskeletal, metabolic, and psychological conditions can impact our physical activity and movement.
Neurological Conditions
As already discussed in Chapter 10, our nervous system plays a crucial role in our ability to move by exciting muscle fibres to contract and providing proprioceptive information back to the brain. However, some conditions do not allow for appropriate communication between the brain, the control center of our nervous system, and our muscles. This can result in impaired movement. Some examples of neurological conditions include Parkinson’s Disease, which causes bradykinesia (the slowness of movement), rigidity, and postural instability; Huntington’s Disease, which causes involuntary movements and impaired muscle control; and Vertigo, which causes loss of balance or unsteadiness.
Musculoskeletal Conditions
In addition to the conditions discussed under the “Muscular Dysfunction” section, there are other musculoskeletal conditions that can impair movement in various ways. For example, joint replacements or repairs and limb amputations both can alter an individual’s joint movement pattern or balance; restrict their movement for an extended period during rehabilitation; and require adaptation to an assistive device such as a brace or prosthetic limb. However, not all musculoskeletal conditions can be seen with the naked eye. Osteoporosis is a silent, but problematic diagnosis that describes bones being porous and fragile due to a lack of weight-bearing activity in the past. It is a condition characterized by low bone density and, therefore, increased bone fragility, which ultimately puts individuals at risk for fractures.
Osteoporosis: A Disease of Youth?
Osteoporosis has traditionally been associated with older adults, as the risk of fragility fractures was considered significantly more threatening in this population compared to young individuals. However, research has identified that participation in weight-bearing activities, such as walking, running, weightlifting, etc., is incredibly powerful in building and maintaining bone density so that osteoporosis isn’t developed later in life. Therefore, while osteoporosis is a diagnosis many receive as an older adult, it’s one you can only help prevent as a younger person through physical activity and proper nutrition.
Metabolic Conditions
Metabolic conditions can also impact movement due to their energy-limited capacities and side effects. Some examples include:
- Obesity: Affects posture, endurance, movement efficiency, and joint loading
- Diabetes: Can cause proprioceptive deficits
- Addison’s Disease: Affects an individual’s physical stress tolerance and increases fatigue
- Hypothyroidism: Can cause muscle stiffness and fatigue, reducing the capacity to participate in physical activity
Psychological Conditions
Lastly, psychological conditions can also have a huge impact on human movement. While psychological conditions may not be visible, they can be just as inhibiting as a broken limb. For example, depression can reduce motivation to participate in physical activity and can increased levels of fatigue; eating disorders influence the type of nutrition being consumed and therefore influences what fuel muscles have to work with; and fear of falling (FOF), a condition common in older adults with and without mobility concerns, can impact individual gait (i.e., walking pattern).
Key Aspects of Gait
Gait refers to the pattern of movement during walking or running, which is characterized by the key aspects below. Next time you are out walking or running, think about each component and how it changes from one activity to the next.
- Step length: How far each step takes you
- Stride: The cycle of steps you take between each strike of the same foot
- Cadence: The number of steps taken per minute
- Speed: How quickly a person walks
- Balance and Coordination: Ability to maintain upright, steady movement
- Symmetry: How evenly both sides of the body contribute to walking
