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Relationship between respiratory muscle strength and dynamic balance in older persons requiring care or support: Focusing on the maximal single step length test and maximal double step length test as dynamic balance indices. Gait Posture 2024; 109:64-69. [PMID: 38281431 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2023.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Falls are a major health problem. The relationship between dynamic balance related to falls and respiratory muscle strength related to sarcopenia and frailty is poorly understood. RESEARCH QUESTION How do dynamic balance measures, such as maximal single step length test (MSL) and maximal double step length test (MDST), and respiratory muscle strength measures, such as maximal inspiratory (PImax) and maximal expiratory (PEmax), related to the requirement for long-term care or support in older people who live in the community? METHODS This was a cross-sectional study of 39 older people (17 men, 22 women) aged ≥ 65 years community-dwelling who were certified as requiring long-term care or support under the Japanese system. The participants' PImax, PEmax, MSL, and MDST results were recorded. The measurement data were evaluated using Pearson's correlation coefficients and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS MDST showed a positive correlation with PImax (r = 0.430, p = 0.006) but no correlation with PEmax. MSL showed no correlation with PImax or PEmax. A positive correlation was found between MDST and MSL (r = 0.851, p < 0.001), and multiple regression analysis with MDST as the dependent variable and PImax and MST as independent variables showed significant differences for MSL (p < 0.001) and PImax (p = 0.027). SIGNIFICANCE In older people requiring long-term care or support, MDST had a greater association with inspiratory muscle strength compared with MSL. These results suggest the importance of inspiratory muscle strength training and MDST assessment in the prevention of falls in older people requiring long-term care or support.
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Guided Exploration Leads to Faster Familiarization with a Wearable Robot: First Results of an Innovative Protocol. IEEE Int Conf Rehabil Robot 2023; 2023:1-6. [PMID: 37941259 DOI: 10.1109/icorr58425.2023.10304725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Wearable robots show promise in addressing physical and functional deficits in individuals with mobility impairments. However, the process of learning to use these devices can take a long time. In this study, we propose a novel protocol to support the familiarization process with a wearable robot (the Myosuit) and achieve faster walking speeds. The protocol involves applying an anterior pulling force while participants perform a series of 10-meter Walking Tests (10mWT) with or without the Myosuit under various experimental conditions. We hypothesized that guiding the exploration of novel walking patterns can help the users learn to exploit the Myosuit's assistance faster by leading to larger step lengths and ultimately higher walking speeds. In this paper, we present the preliminary results of the protocol with seven participants with lower-limb mobility impairments. Participants who were assisted by the Myosuit showed a continuous increase in walking speed over the course of the pulling part of the experiment with a maximum increase of 41.3% (10.4%) when compared to the baseline 10mWT. Following the removal of the pulling force, these participants continued to show an increased walking speed while being supported by the Myosuit. This higher walking speed was primarily due to a significant increase in step length of 24% (16.6%) and cadence of 11% (8.9%). The results of this study may help the development of familiarization techniques for wearable robots.
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Effects of personal protective clothing on firefighters' gait analyzed using 3D motion capture system. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2022:1-11. [PMID: 35993385 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2022.2115661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The effects of personal protective clothing (PPC) on firefighters' gait were investigated to develop high-performance PPC. METHODS Thirteen participants participated in human trials with three types of PPC (firefighter protective clothing (FPC); semi-enclosed chemical protective clothing (CPC_semi); full-enclosed chemical protective clothing (CPC_full)) and T-shirt (CON). A 3D motion capture system was used to obtain gait parameters (step length, step width, stride frequency, gait speed, and toe-out angle) and the range of motion (ROM) of the joints (hip, knee, and ankle). RESULTS PPCs produced an increase in step width (23.4%, p > 0.05), but the gait speed (9.1%) and stride frequency (6.4%) decreased compared with the CON results. ROM is affected by the PPC type and joint. FPC and CPC_semi had no significant effect in terms of the ROM of the hip and knee besides the landing angle of the knee. However, CPC_full had a significant effect on the maximum extension angle of the hip and maximum flexion angle of the knee, which reached up to 27.2%. CONCLUSION The ROM of the firefighter's lower limbs were limited by PPC. This study offers insights into next-generation PPC design and development, as well as guidelines for training and firefighting.
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The Effects of a Divided-Attention Timed Stepping Accuracy Task on Balance, Strength, Endurance, and Functional Performance in Healthy Older Adults: A Pilot Study. J Aging Phys Act 2019; 27:521-528. [PMID: 30676218 DOI: 10.1123/japa.2018-0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate whether a 6-week Divided-Attention Stepping Accuracy Task (DATSAT) intervention improved the primary outcome measure, maximal step length; other balance measures (Berg Balance scale and Timed Up and Go test); leg strength; endurance (6-min walk test); and functional tasks in 15 community-dwelling healthy older adults ( x¯ age: 71.5 years, female: 46.7%) compared with 15 community-dwelling healthy older adults in a Bike and Strength (B&S) program ( x¯ age: 73.8 years, female: 33.3%). Participants trained 3× per week, 30-60 min per session. Stepping-group differences were significant for all measures. B&S group improved in maximal step length (anterior and lateral), strength, and one functional task. Stepping group outperformed B&S group in Timed Up and Go and maximal step length posterior. B&S group outperformed stepping group in two strength measures. Exertion scores were lower for the stepping group. Overall, Divided-Attention Timed Stepping Accuracy Task training resulted in more within-group improvements and two between-group measures with less perceived effort and shorter intervention times.
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Reliability of the Maximal Step Length Test and Its Correlation with Motor Function in Chronic Stroke Survivors. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:6985963. [PMID: 30671468 PMCID: PMC6317100 DOI: 10.1155/2018/6985963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to (1) investigate the interrater, intrarater, and test-retest reliabilities, as well as the minimal detectable change, of the Maximal Step Length test (MSL) in stroke survivors, (2) examine the concurrent validity of MSL with other stroke-specific impairment measurements in stroke survivors, and (3) compare the MSL performances of stroke survivors and those of age-matched healthy older adults in different directions. DESIGN Cross-sessional study. SETTING University-based research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS Stroke survivors (n = 48) and age-matched healthy older adults (n = 39). METHODS Stroke survivors were assessed with MSL, lower limb muscle strength, Limits of Stability (LOS) Test, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), 5-meter walk test, and Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale by two trained assessors in 1 session. Their performance on MSL was reassessed 1 week later to establish the test-retest reliability. Healthy older adults were assessed with MSL only. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess the reliability of MSL and Spearman's rho was used to quantify the strength of correlations between MSL and secondary outcomes. Between-group differences of MSL were assessed with the independent t-test. RESULTS The MSL exhibited excellent intrarater, interrater, and test-retest reliabilities [ICC: 0.885-1.000]. Significant correlations (ρ: 0.447-0.723) were demonstrated between MSLs in most directions and muscle strengths of the affected legs, BBS scores, and walking speeds. The step lengths differed significantly between stroke survivors and healthy older adults in the forward, backward, and sideways directions on both the affected and less affected sides. CONCLUSIONS The MSL is a reliable, valid, and easily administered test of the stepping capabilities of stroke survivors. Stroke survivors had significant shorter MSLs in all directions than the age-matched healthy older adults.
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Effectiveness of backward walking training on spatial-temporal gait characteristics: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Mov Sci 2018; 60:57-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2018.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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The association between the maximum step length test and the walking efficiency in children with cerebral palsy. J Phys Ther Sci 2017; 29:822-827. [PMID: 28603353 PMCID: PMC5462680 DOI: 10.1589/jpts.2017.822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
[Purpose] To improve walking efficiency could be useful for reducing fatigue and extending possible period of walking in children with cerebral palsy (CP). For this purpose, current study compared conventional parameters of gross motor performance, step length, and cadence in the evaluation of walking efficiency in children with CP. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-one children with CP (21 boys, 10 girls; mean age, 12.3 ± 2.7 years) participated. Parameters of gross motor performance, including the maximum step length (MSL), maximum side step length, step number, lateral step up number, and single leg standing time, were measured in both dominant and non-dominant sides. Spatio-temporal parameters of walking, including speed, step length, and cadence, were calculated. Total heart beat index (THBI), a parameter of walking efficiency, was also calculated from heartbeats and walking distance in 10 minutes of walking. To analyze the relationships between these parameters and the THBI, the coefficients of determination were calculated using stepwise analysis. [Results] The MSL of the dominant side best accounted for the THBI (R2=0.759). [Conclusion] The MSL of the dominant side was the best explanatory parameter for walking efficiency in children with CP.
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Prevalence and Risk Factors for Low Habitual Walking Speed in Nursing Home Residents: An Observational Study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2015.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Effects of age and step length on joint kinetics during stepping task. J Biomech 2015; 48:1679-86. [PMID: 26094835 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2015.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2014] [Revised: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Following a balance perturbation, a stepping response is commonly used to regain support, and the distance of the recovery step can vary. To date, no other studies have examined joint kinetics in young and old adults during increasing step distances, when participants are required to bring their rear foot forward. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine age-related differences in joint kinetics with increasing step distance. Twenty young and 20 old adults completed the study. Participants completed a step starting from double support, at an initial distance equal to the individual's average step length. The distance was increased by 10% body height until an unsuccessful attempt. A one-way, repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine the effects of age on joint kinetics during the maximum step distance. A two-way, repeated measures, mixed model ANOVA was used to determine the effects of age, step distance, and their interaction on joint kinetics during the first three step distances for all participants. Young adults completed a significantly longer step than old adults. During the maximum step, in general, kinetic measures were greater in the young than in the old. As step distance increased, all but one kinetic measure increased for both young and old adults. This study has shown the ability to discriminate between young and old adults, and could potentially be used in the future to distinguish between fallers and non-fallers.
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Effects of step length, age, and fall history on hip and knee kinetics and knee co-contraction during the maximum step length test. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 2013; 28:933-40. [PMID: 23978310 PMCID: PMC5340301 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2013.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2013] [Revised: 07/31/2013] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maximum step length is a brief clinical test involving stepping out and back as far as possible with the arms folded across the chest. This test has been shown to predict fall risk, but the biomechanics of this test are not fully understood. Knee and hip kinetics (moments and powers) are greater for longer steps and for younger subjects, but younger subjects also step farther. METHODS To separate the effects of step length, age, and fall history on joint kinetics; healthy younger (age=27(5), N=14), older non-fallers (age=72(5), N=14), and older fallers (age=75(6), N=11) all stepped to the same relative target distances of 20-80% of their height. Knee and hip kinetics and knee co-contraction were calculated. FINDINGS Hip and knee kinetics and knee co-contraction all increased with step length, but older non-fallers and fallers utilized greater stepping hip and less stepping knee extensor kinetics. Fallers had greater stepping knee co-contraction than non-fallers. Stance knee co-contraction of non-fallers was similar to young for shorter steps and similar to fallers for longer steps. INTERPRETATION Age had minimal effects and fall history had no effects on joint kinetics of steps to similar distances. Effects of age and fall history on knee co-contraction may contribute to age-related kinetic differences and shorter maximal step lengths of older non-fallers and fallers, but step length correlated with every variable tested. Thus, declines in maximum step length could indicate declines in hip and knee extensor kinetics and impaired performance on similar tasks like recovering from a trip.
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Moving with ease: feldenkrais method classes for people with osteoarthritis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:479142. [PMID: 24078825 PMCID: PMC3776373 DOI: 10.1155/2013/479142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2013] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Objective. To investigate the effects of Feldenkrais Method classes on gait, balance, function, and pain in people with osteoarthritis. Design. Prospective study with pre-/postmeasures. Setting. Community. Participants. Convenience sample of 15 community-dwelling adults with osteoarthritis (mean age 67 years) attending Feldenkrais Method classes. Intervention. Series of Feldenkrais Method classes, two classes/week for 30 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis scale, Human Activity Profile, stair climbing test, 6-minute walk test, timed up-and-go test, Four Square Step Test (4SST), gait analysis, and assessment of quality of life (AQoL). Results. Participants improved on the 4SST and on some gait parameters. They also reported a greater ease of movement. Conclusions. A 30-week series of Feldenkrais classes held twice per week was feasible in the community setting. The lessons led to improvements in performance of the four square step test and changes in gait.
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Lower-extremity force decrements identify early mobility decline among community-dwelling older adults. Phys Ther 2012; 92:1148-59. [PMID: 22595239 DOI: 10.2522/ptj.20110239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many apparently independent older adults modify daily tasks. Task modifications strongly predict future mobility disability. Clinically intuitive, easily measured "biomarkers" associated with task modifications would offer quantifiable treatment targets for prevention of age-related functional limitations. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to examine lower-extremity muscle strength deficits and functionally relevant cutoff points associated with daily task modifications in community dwelling older adults living independently. DESIGN This was a cross-sectional observational study. METHODS Fifty-three participants (mean age=76.4 years, SD=5.2) were tested for task modifications and leg strength. Task modifications were assessed using a previously described tool (summary task modification score). Twenty-six of the participants were classified as task modifiers (TM group), and 27 participants were classified as non-task modifiers (NTM group). A net antigravity leg force in the sagittal plane (NETforce) was calculated by summing the normalized isometric and isokinetic torques from the hip extensors, knee extensors, and ankle plantar flexors. RESULTS Compared with the NTM group, the TM group exhibited 30.0% and 33.5% reduction in lower-extremity isometric and isokinetic NETforces, respectively. Isometric and isokinetic NETforce cutoff points for task modifications were ≤ 4.24 and 2.77 N · m/kg body weight, respectively. The isometric and isokinetic models both yielded sensitivity and specificity values of 74.1% and 80.8%, respectively (positive likelihood ratio=3.852, 95% confidence interval=1.699-8.735; negative likelihood ratio=0.321, 95% confidence interval=0.167-0.618). Isometric and isokinetic NETforces were significantly associated with task modifications (odds ratio=2.50 and 2.42, respectively). LIMITATIONS The cross-sectional design of this study does not allow for a test of causal relationships. This study used a modest yet adequate sample size that may limit generalization of the results. CONCLUSIONS Isometric and isokinetic NETforce cutoff points provide quantifiable biomarkers that discriminate community-dwelling older adults who modify daily tasks from those who do not.
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Development of a Clinical Multiple-Lunge Test to Predict Falls in Older Adults. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2012; 93:458-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2011.08.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2011] [Revised: 08/16/2011] [Accepted: 08/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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The maximal double step length test can evaluate more adequately the decrease of physical function with age, than the maximal single step length test. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2010; 53:e21-4. [PMID: 20934759 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2010.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2010] [Revised: 08/19/2010] [Accepted: 09/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The maximal double step length (MDSL) test is a modified version of the maximal step length (MSL) test used to evaluate the dynamic balance related to falls in the elderly. Although this test can evaluate their physical function using movements similar to daily activities as compared to MSL, it has not been clarified whether it can adequately evaluate the activities of daily living (ADL) abilities of the elderly, as they decrease with age. This study aimed to examine the relationship between both MSL and MDSL on age and ADL in elderly subjects. Fifty-seven elderly females who live independently (age 74.8±5.6 years) were recruited. MSL and MDSL were conducted twice after completing an ADL questionnaire. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) of both tests were high (for MSL: ICC=0.95, for MDSL: ICC=0.81-0.82). Age and ADL significantly correlated to MDSL (age: r=-0.32-0.41, ADL: r=0.28-0.48), but not to MSL (age: r=-0.19, ADL: r=0.15). MDSL has high reliability as it relates to age and ADL. It may be more useful to evaluate ADL required for independent living and prevent falls in the elderly better than MSL.
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Can hip and knee kinematics be improved by eliminating thigh markers? Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 2010; 25:687-92. [PMID: 20493599 PMCID: PMC5341079 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2010.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2009] [Revised: 03/29/2010] [Accepted: 04/01/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Marker sets developed for gait analysis are often applied to more dynamic tasks with little or no validation, despite known complications of soft tissue artifact. METHODS This study presents a comparison of hip and knee kinematics as calculated by five concurrently-worn tracking marker sets during eight different tasks. The first three marker sets were based on Helen Hayes but used (1) proximal thigh wands, (2) distal thigh wands, and (3) patellar markers instead of thigh wands. The remaining two marker sets used rigid clusters on the (4) thighs and shanks and (5) only shanks. Pelvis and foot segments were shared by all marker sets. The first three tasks were maximal femoral rotations using different knee and hip positions to quantify the ability of each marker set to capture this motion. The remaining five tasks were walking, walking a 1m radius circle, running, jumping, and lunging. FINDINGS In general, few and small differences in knee and hip flexion-extension were observed between marker sets, while many and large differences in adduction-abduction and external-internal rotations were observed. The shank-only tracking marker set was capable of detecting the greatest hip external-internal rotation, yet only did so during dynamic tasks where greater hip axial motions would be expected. All data are available in the Appendix. INTERPRETATION Marker set selection is critical to non-sagittal hip and knee motions. The shank-only tracking marker set presented here is a viable alternative that may improve knee and hip kinematics by eliminating errors from thigh soft tissue artifact.
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Decreased muscle strength relates to self-reported stooping, crouching, or kneeling difficulty in older adults. Phys Ther 2010; 90:67-74. [PMID: 19942678 PMCID: PMC2802823 DOI: 10.2522/ptj.20090035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bending down and kneeling are fundamental tasks of daily living, yet nearly a quarter of older adults report having difficulty performing or being unable to perform these movements. Older adults with stooping, crouching, or kneeling (SCK) difficulty have demonstrated an increased fall risk. Strength (force-generating capacity) measures may be useful for determining both SCK difficulty and fall risk. OBJECTIVE The purposes of this study were: (1) to examine muscle strength differences in older adults with and without SCK difficulty and (2) to examine the relative contributions of trunk and leg muscle strength to SCK difficulty. DESIGN This was a cross-sectional observational study. METHODS Community-dwelling older adults (age [X+/-SD]=75.5+/-6.0 years) with SCK difficulty (n=27) or without SCK difficulty (n=21) were tested for leg and trunk strength and functional mobility. Isometric strength at the trunk, hip, knee, and ankle also was normalized by body weight and height. RESULTS Compared with older adults with no SCK difficulty, those with SCK difficulty had significant decreases in normalized trunk extensor, knee extensor, and ankle dorsiflexor and plantar-flexor strength. In 2 separate multivariate analyses, raw ankle plantar-flexor strength (odds ratio [OR]=0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.95-0.99) and normalized knee extensor strength (OR=0.61, 95% CI=0.44-0.82) were significantly associated with SCK difficulty. Stooping, crouching, and kneeling difficulty also correlated with measures of functional balance and falls. LIMITATIONS Although muscle groups that were key to rising from SCK were examined, there are other muscle groups that may contribute to safe SCK performance. CONCLUSIONS Decreased muscle strength, particularly when normalized for body size, predicts SCK difficulty. These data emphasize the importance of strength measurement at multiple levels in predicting self-reported functional impairment.
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The effects of age and step length on joint kinematics and kinetics of large out-and-back steps. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 2008; 23:609-18. [PMID: 18308435 PMCID: PMC2528245 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2008.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2007] [Revised: 01/08/2008] [Accepted: 01/11/2008] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maximum step length (MSL) is a clinical test that has been shown to correlate with age, various measures of fall risk, and knee and hip joint extension speed, strength, and power capacities, but little is known about the kinematics and kinetics of the large out-and-back step utilized. METHODS Body motions and ground reaction forces were recorded for 11 unimpaired younger and 10 older women while attaining maximum step length. Joint kinematics and kinetics were calculated using inverse dynamics. The effects of age group and step length on the biomechanics of these large out-and-back steps were determined. FINDINGS Maximum step length was 40% greater in the younger than in the older women (P<0.0001). Peak knee and hip, but not ankle, angle, velocity, moment, and power were generally greater for younger women and longer steps. After controlling for age group, step length generally explained significant additional variance in hip and torso kinematics and kinetics (incremental R2=0.09-0.37). The young reached their peak knee extension moment immediately after landing of the step out, while the old reached their peak knee extension moment just before the return step liftoff (P=0.03). INTERPRETATION Maximum step length is strongly associated with hip kinematics and kinetics. Delays in peak knee extension moment that appear to be unrelated to step length, may indicate a reduced ability of older women to rapidly apply force to the ground with the stepping leg and thus arrest the momentum of a fall.
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