Influence of Lower-extremity Muscle Force, Muscle Mass and Asymmetry in Knee Extension Force on Gait Ability in Community-dwelling Elderly Women

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of muscle mass/power of the lowerextremities, including asymmetry in knee extension force, on gait ability of Japanese community-dwelling elderly women. The study population comprised 30 women aged 65-89 years. The parameters examined were activities of daily living, physical performance, functional capacity, isometric muscle forces of knee extension and flexion measured by a dynamometer, and muscle mass measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Asymmetry in knee extension force was calculated from rate of difference between the right and the left knee extension forces. One leg balance with eyes open, 6-minute walking distance (6MD) and knee extension force decreased, while 10-m obstacle walking time and asymmetry in knee extension force increased with age. Gait ability including 6MD and 10-m obstacle walking time correlated with asymmetry in knee extension force, which also exhibited correlations with one leg balance with eyes open and knee extension force. The results of the present study indicate that on increase in asymmetry in knee extension force as well as a decrease in lower-extremity muscle force might accelerate the loss of gait ability, while the improvement of asymmetry in knee extension force might be beneficial to self-supporting life in elderly individuals.

Lower Extremity Strength and Balance

“…17,18,40 Muscle spindles are important proprioceptive structures that provide the nervous system with information about the muscle's length and velocity of contraction, which contributes to an individual's awareness of joint movement (kinesthesia) and joint position sense. 25,24 In this study, we found that fallers had significantly weaker ankle dorsifl exors on the left side than the nonfallers. Cutaneous mechanoreceptors, such as pacinian corpuscle and meisners corpuscle, are structures embedded in the superfi cial layers of the skin and provide the sense of light touch.…”

“…24 We found that fallers presented with muscle force asymmetry in multiple muscle groups. Muscle force asymmetry can cause gait disorders, decreased balance, and an increased rate of falls.…”

“…19 Age is a signifi cant independent determinant of skeletal muscle mass, and it is known that as we get older, we lose muscle mass. 24,25 In addition to the musculoskeletal system, cognitive performance plays a role in postural control. Both muscle mass and muscle function are importan t for stability and correct balance.…”

Maintenance of Physical Function and Related Factors for Community Dwelling Elderly: A Nine-Year Follow-up Study

“…Programs of assistance and prevention of d i s a b i l i t i e s h a v e b e e n p r o v i d e d b y l o c a l governments, and the achievements of those programs have been reported [9][10][11][12][13][14] . However, previous have studies often focused on ability to move as an indicator of decline in physical function, and rarely attended to other physical functions [15][16][17] .…”

“…In patients with sequelae of illness, it is essential to take c o m p e n s a t o r y m e a s u r e s a n d a r r a n g e a n environment with avoids decline of the level of independence in activities of daily living [30][31][32] . In addition to these measures, it is necessary to provide a program for sustainable functional improvement so that individuals can preserve function.…”