Age-specific comparisons in the rate of force development of toe pressure strength and its association with the timed up and go test

Abstract

It has recently been recommended that Rate of Force Development (RFD) be evaluated in addition to maximal muscle strength. There are no studies on RFD of toe pressure strength, and its importance in older adults and the extent to which it is associated with aging needs to be clari ed. This study purpose was to examine the association between the RFD of toe pressure strength and Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) in an age-speci c study. MethodsThis study is a cross-sectional study. Participants in the study included 159 healthy adults (26.3 ± 13.1 years, 52% male) and 88 older adults (75.0 ± 6.2 years, 26% male). The RFD of toe pressure strength was determined from the force-time curve obtained during the toe pressure strength assessment, and the ability to exert maximum muscle force in the shortest possible time was assessed. Regression analysis was performed for each group to test the association between RFD of toe pressure strength and TUG by age. ResultsHealthy adults showed no association between TUG and RFD of toe pressure strength, and signi cant association between TUG and RFD of toe pressure strength was found only in the older adults (standard regression coe cient = − 0.15, p = 0.048). ConclusionThis study showed a signi cant association between TUG and RFD of toe pressure strength in older adults. These ndings show that RFD is one of the functions that should be assessed, particularly in older adults. Furthermore, it was suggested that approaching RFD could improve gait, standing, and sitting movements.

Characterization of Great Toe Extension Strength Using ToeScale - A Novel Portable Device

“…Additionally, Kamasaki et. al 2024 [45] reported a higher RFD among younger adults compared to older adults, which is consistent with the findings of this study, where the RFD was ~15N/s higher among younger adults. Although Kamaski et al did not report any sex-based differences, our study showed that males had 21N/s higher RFD than females.…”

“…Kamasaki et. al 2024 and Sarikaya et al 2022 [45,46] reported a strong association of RFD in the great toe with better functional mobility and balance outcomes. Additionally, Kamasaki et.…”

“…[47] This study shows a decline in all GTES parameters with age (Table 1), consistent with studies reporting the effects of age on muscle strength. [28,31,45] The correlation analyses summarized in Table 2 revealed moderate levels of association between the different GTES parameters and BMI, which varied by age, and a low to moderate correlation between GS and BMI across all age groups. Among all the GTES parameters, peak GTES had the highest correlation with BMI, particularly among older adults (r = 0.594, p=0.012).…”