Musculoskeletal System
Musculoskeletal System Simulation #1 - SMALL JOINTS, BIG LIMITATIONS
One of the most common age-related disorders of the skeletal system is arthritis. This refers to either the inflammation or breakdown of various joints in the body. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. This is one of the leading causes of disability in those over the age of 65 and involves the breakdown of cartilage in a joint (1). The loss of cartilage leads to increased rubbing between bones which causes pain, stiffness, and joint instability.
This simulation will demonstrate the stiffness and limited range of motion that is commonly experienced by those with osteoarthritis. The simulation will require you to perform various activities of daily living that may be affected by osteoarthritis. The overall outcome of this simulation is to increase awareness of the age-related changes that older adults may face on a daily basis and to build a sense of empathy towards older adults
Materials
- 1 pair of shoes with laces
- 1 jacket with a zipper
- 1 chair
- 1 computer/keyboard
- Flat surface
Procedure
Target: Joint stiffness and limited range of motion in the fingers
Section 1: Getting ready for the day
- With both gloves on provided in the skin and tactile sensitivity precursor station and taped joints, sit down on a chair with your unlaced shoes on the floor in front of you
- Put the shoes on your feet and tie the laces; then stand up from your chair.
- Put the jacket on and zip it up.
- Unzip the jacket and take it off.
- Sit back down onto the chair; untie your shoelaces and take off your shoes. Be sure to keep the gloves on for the next section of the simulation.
Section 2: Activities of daily living
- Position the laptop or keyboard on a flat surface in front of you.
- Begin typing a 10-item list of groceries you would buy from the store.
Simulation Video
Duration of simulation - 3 minutes.
Reflection Questions
- Are there any other daily tasks you can think of that would be seriously impacted by having osteoarthritis?
- How do you think older adults feel while dealing with the impacts of osteoarthritis on a daily basis?
- Did you ever feel frustrated while completing tasks? How do you think older adults would deal with these changes?
Musculoskeletal System Simulation #2 - SO MUCH TO DO, AND SO LITTLE ENERGY
As we age, our bones and muscles undergo many changes. The most common age-related changes in the muscular system are reduced muscle strength, decreased muscle mass, increased muscle weakness, and decreased muscle size (1). The decline in muscle mass and contractile force often experienced by older adults is called sarcopenia. Sarcopenia results in muscles becoming weak and easily tired. These age-related changes in the musculoskeletal system can greatly impact an older adult’s functioning and lead to difficulties when performing activities of daily living.
This simulation will demonstrate the challenges of sarcopenia, including muscle weakness, fatigue, and difficulty moving the joints and muscles. The simulation will involve placing various forms of resistance on the body to illustrate joint stiffness and muscle weakness experienced with sarcopenia and then performing tasks of daily living. The overall outcome of the simulation is to increase awareness of the age-related changes that older adults face on a daily basis and to build our sense of empathy toward the aging population.
Materials
- Backpack
- 2 grocery bags
- Heavy objects to make around 10-15 pounds of weight
- i.e., books, cans, bottles of detergent, etc.
- Various grocery items (~8 items)
- Resistance band
- If you do not have a resistance band, use stretchy yoga pants
- 1 chair
- Stairs
- If you do not have access to stairs, use a stepping stool
- Elevated surface
- i.e., a cupboard, shelf, cardboard box on a table etc.
Procedure
PART A: SET UP
- Find an area with stairs.
- If you do not have access to stairs, use a stepping stool.
- Gather all of the materials necessary and have them nearby.
- For section 2, set up or position yourself in front of an elevated surface above shoulder height.
PART B: SIMULATION ACTIVITIES
Section 1: Activities of daily living
Target: Muscle weakness and restricted motion in the muscles of the leg.
- Find an area with stairs and begin at the bottom of the stairs.
- If you do not have stairs, use a stepping stool.
- Place heavy objects into the backpack.
- Place a resistance band around the lower part of your thigh, just above the knee.
- If you don’t have a resistance band, use stretchy yoga pants.
- Put the backpack on and perform 10 squats to increase muscle weakness.
- Walk up the stairs slowly.
- If using a stepping stool, do 10 step-ups on each leg to mimic walking up stairs.
- Once you complete the stairs/finish 10 step-ups on each leg, sit on the chair.
- Get up, walk 10 steps and sit back down on the chair as if there is a task to complete (i.e., getting the phone, answering the door, etc.). Repeat this 3 times.
Section 2: Grocery shopping
Target: Muscle weakness and muscle fatigue in the muscles of the arm.
- Divide the grocery items evenly into the 2 grocery bags and hold one bag in each hand (~4 items per bag).
- Lift your arms straight out in front of you while holding the grocery bags. Repeat this 10 times.
- Place the grocery bags on the floor and grab your resistance band or yoga pants.
- Tie the resistance band/yoga pants around your inner thigh and elbow on the same side of your body.
- Pick up the grocery bags again.
- Walk to your elevated surface.
- Pick the groceries out of the bags one by one and place them onto the elevated surface.
Simulation Video
Duration of simulation - 3 minutes and 30 seconds.
Reflection Questions
- With all of the various types of restriction on the muscles, how did this simulation impact your ability to perform daily activities? How did this make you feel?
- Did this simulation change any attitudes you may have had previously towards the aging population? In what way did they change?
- What are some preventative measures you may consider implementing into your life to prevent the impacts of sarcopenia?
