Fall- and BBS-related differences in muscle strength and postural balance of the elderly

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the differences in muscle strength and postural balance between fallers and non-fallers. We also compared the difference between normal and impaired balance groups using the same subjects and the same variables. [Subjects and Methods] Seventy-one healthy elderly females (age: 75.1 ± 75 years; weight: 57.3 ± 57 kg; height: 150.1 ± 15 cm) who had high levels of physical activity participated [25 fallers (FG) vs. 46 non-fallers (NG); and 52 healthy balance group (HBG) and 19 impaired balance group (IBG) subjects]. To compare the groups, the muscle strengths of 9 muscle groups, and 20 variables of the instrumented standing balance assessment (2 area variables, 9 time-domain variables, and 9 frequency-domain variables) were assessed. [Results] The FG and NG could only be categorized based on the frequency-domain variables of the instrumented standing balance assessment. On the other hand, there were significant differences between HBG and IBG in height, 6 muscle strength, and 2 time-domain variables of the instrumented standing balance assessment. [Conclusion] These results suggest that muscle strength and standing balance are reflected in physical balance ability (i.e., BBS); however they are in sufficient for determining the actual occurrence of falls.

Isokinetic Muscle Strength and Postural Sway of Recreationally Active Older Adults vs. Master Road Runners

“…These results suggest that lifelong and higher levels of physical exercise could help with postural control and could contribute to preventing falls and maintaining functional capacity at high levels among the elderly. For example, Choi et al (2016) showed that muscle strength and standing balance are reflected in physical balance ability and the possible prevention of falls in the elderly people (fallers, non-fallers, healthy balance group, and impaired balance group) who had high levels of physical activity and consequently improve the functional capacity. Thus, the results of our study reinforces that elderly athletes who participate in sports and in competitions regularly can be considered a successful model of aging which is somewhat new since our study focused on the musculature of the trunk and not the lower limbs as traditionally done.…”

Relationships between lower extremity strength and the multi-directional reach test in children aged 7 to 12 years

“…20 Additionally, previous studies have reported correlations between muscle strength and clinical balance testing (e.g., Functional Reach Test, Berg Balance Scale, and Timed Up and Go test) in adults and the elderly. 25-27 Researchers found that reduced muscle strength may lead to a fall during dynamic tasks including reaching movements. 25,26,28 Although previous studies reported the effects of muscle strength on the functional reach test, 29,30 no study has documented the contributions of lower extremity strength in the MDRT.…”

“…25-27 Researchers found that reduced muscle strength may lead to a fall during dynamic tasks including reaching movements. 25,26,28 Although previous studies reported the effects of muscle strength on the functional reach test, 29,30 no study has documented the contributions of lower extremity strength in the MDRT. This finding attempts to investigate the relationship between lower extremity strength and the MDRT in children to provide the preliminary data for promoting health or rehabilitation.…”