Role of Hip Abductor Muscle Composition and Torque in Protective Stepping for Lateral Balance Recovery in Older Adults

Our findings suggest that older adults who initially use a medial step to recover lateral balance have lower hip abductor torque and may be less able to execute a biomechanically more stable cross-step. This may be related to increased IMAT levels. Assessments and interventions for enhancing balance and decreasing fall risk should take the role of the hip abductor into account.