INTRODUCTION

The city of Ann Arbor is known for its diversity among people. From different races to different genders, each person is unique. What is readily noticeable, especially at the University of Michigan, is the difference in age. There are the young undergraduate and graduate students, and the not-so-young teachers, professors, and administrators. These elderly scholars display the fact that as we age, definite changes in body strength, agility, and posture are apparent. Older people appear to have more difficulties completing tasks, as well as are more prone to injuries, when compared to the young. According to a recent study, older adults were less steady during shortening and lengthening contractions while lifting the lightest loads (Graves et al., 2000). This leads to an interesting question; is there a difference in body position and posture between elderly and young while picking up a lightly loaded box?

The purpose of the experiment is to determine the difference age has on body posture and position during relatively simple tasks. The movement we are investigating is the picking up of a box. An 80-year-old male will first perform this task. This will then be followed by a 20-year-old male, performing the exact same task. We will pay careful attention to the body posture of the subjects, as well as the technique used in picking up the box. For example, whether the subject bends at the knees or at the waist is of primary concern.