Musculoskeletal System
Simulation No. 1 - Musculoskeletal System - SMALL JOINTS, BIG LIMITATIONS
One of the most common age-related disorders of the skeletal system is arthritis. This disorder refers to either the inflammation or breakdown of cartilage tissue in joints due to wear and tear. This causes the swelling and tenderness, pain, stiffness and joint instability that worsen with age. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is one of the leading causes of disability in people over the age of 65.(1) This simulation will demonstrate the stiffness and limited range of motion commonly experienced by older adults with osteoarthritis.
This simulation will require you to perform various activities of daily living that may be affected by osteoarthritis. The goal of this simulation is to help you experience joint stiffness and limited range of motion in the fingers. This will increase your awareness of challenges older adults face daily and to build a sense of empathy towards older adults.
Simulation Video
Duration of simulation - 3 minutes.
Full Simulation Guide
Materials
- 1 pair of shoes with laces
- 1 jacket with a zipper
- 1 chair
- 1 computer/keyboard
- Flat surface
Procedure
- Complete the precursor simulations if you have not already done so.
- Assure that the glove from the precursor station is still on, put on another glove on the other hand, and use tape to join fingers on both hands.
- 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.
- 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.
Reflection Questions
- Are there any other daily tasks you can think of that would be seriously impacted by having osteoarthritis?
- If you were diagnosed with osteoarthritis, how would it impact your daily life?
- Did you ever feel frustrated while completing tasks? How do you think older adults would deal with these changes?
Testimonials
Simulation No. 2 - Muscoskeletal System - SO MUCH TO DO, AND SO LITTLE ENERGY
The most common age-related changes in the muscular system are: reduced muscle strength, decreased muscle mass, increased muscle weakness, and reduced muscle size.(1) The loss of muscle mass and contractile force often experienced by older adults is called sarcopenia, resulting 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 has two activities that will help you understand the challenges of sarcopenia, in particular muscle weakness and restricted motion in the leg and arm muscles. You will place various forms of resistance on your body to simulate joint stiffness and muscle weakness. This will increase your awareness of what it feels like to experience fatigue and difficulty moving, which older adults face daily. Your new understanding will build your sense of empathy toward the aging population.
Simulation Video
Duration of simulation - 3 minutes and 30 seconds.
Full Simulation Guide
Materials
- Backpack
- 2 grocery bags
- Heavy objects (i.e., books, cans, water bottles) to make about 10 percent
- Your body weight (e.g., 110-pound person should take 11 pounds of weight, 155-pound person should take 15 pounds of weight)
- Various grocery items from pantry (about 8 items)
- Resistance band. If you do not have a resistance band, use stretchy yoga pants.
- 1 chair
- Stairs or a stepping stool
- Elevated surface such as a cupboard or a shelf
Procedure
- Complete the precursor simualtions if you have not already done so.
- Gather all the materials at the bottom of the stairs or near a stepping stool.
- Sit on a chair, and tie a resistance band around your thighs, just above the knee.
- Place heavy objects into the backpack and put it on.
- Do 10-15 deep squats to fatigue leg muscles.
- Then, walk up the stairs slowly OR do 10 step-ups on each leg using the stepping stool to mimic walking up stairs.
- Sit on the chair. Keep resistance band and backpack on.
- Get up, walk to the entrance door (as when an older person answers the door), turn around and sit back on the chair. Get up, walk to the washroom and back, sit down. Get up again and walk to the kitchen to get a glass of water, return and sit down. This is the end of the first activity.
- Take off resistance band from above knees. Keep the heavy backpack on.
- Divide the grocery items evenly into the 2 grocery bags (4 items per bag).
- Hold one bag in each hand. Lift your arms 10 times straight out in front of you while holding the grocery bags. Place the grocery bags on the floor.
- Tie the resistance band/yoga pants in a loop, step in and hold it between your inner thigh and elbow on the right side of your body.
- Pick up the grocery bags again.
- Walk to the elevated surface above shoulder height (i.e., cupboard or a bookshelf).
- Pick the groceries out of the bags one by one and place them onto the elevated surface.
Reflection Questions
- With all the various types of restriction on the joints and fatigue of the muscles, how did this simulation impact your ability to perform daily activities? How did this make you feel?
- In what way did this simulation experience change your opinions about the older adults’ ability to move or carry things we use in everyday life?
- What are some preventative measures you may consider implementing into your life to prevent sarcopenia as you grow older?
