Verification of the Correlation between Cognitive Function and Lower Limb Muscle Strength for the Community-dwelling Elderly

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to evaluate the lower limb muscle strength of the community-dwelling elderly, with or without cognitive decline, using isometric knee extension strength (IKES) and the 30-second chair stand test (CS-30). [Subjects] A total of 306 community-dwelling elderly participated in this study. Assessment items were the CS-30, IKES, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Trail-Making Test Part A (TMT-A). [Methods] Participants were divided into three groups according to their MMSE score: cognitive impairment (MMSE ≤ 24), cognitive decline (MMSE 25 to 27), and normal (MMSE ≥ 28). We compared IKES and CS-30 among the three groups. [Results] IKES was not significantly different among the three groups. However, the CS-30 was significantly different among the three groups. Upon further analysis the CS-30 score of each group, when adjusted for age and TMT-A, did not indicate a significant difference. [Conclusion] These results suggest that the lower limb muscle strength of the elderly does not differ with cognitive decline. Moreover, we suggest that when using the CS-30 score as an indicator of lower limb muscle strength attentional function should be taken into account.

Association between handgrip strength and cognitive impairment in elderly Koreans: a population-based cross-sectional study

“…Previous studies have evaluated the association between physical function and cognitive function 4 , 5 , 11 , 12 ) . However, data on the specific relationship between muscular strength and cognitive function are limited.…”

Effects of an elastic band resistance exercise program on lower extremity muscle strength and gait ability in patients with Alzheimer’s disease

“…Snijders et al report that resistance exercise increases muscle mass, improves muscle function, and prevents the aging-related decrease in the number of satellite cells in elderly people 8 ) . Muscle function is well known as an important factor for balance ability 9 ) and cognitive function 10 ) in the elderly. Therefore, the present study analyzed the effects of an exercise program aiming to improve muscle functions in order to prevent and alleviate AD in the elderly.…”

Temporal Patterns in Performance of the 30 s Chair-Stand Test Evince Differences in Physical and Mental Characteristics among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Japan

“…As with the CS-30, sit-ups are an exercise that requires muscular endurance [28]. In addition, the ability to sustain one's attention would seem to be necessary to repeatedly and continuously activate the muscle groups involved for the duration of a 30 s task [14]. We believe these two connections explain why CS-30 score was linked with measures of muscular endurance and attentional function among decelerators.…”

“…The 30 s chair-stand test (CS-30) is widely employed in clinical practice; the test reflects both physical functions (e.g., lower-limb strength [8], core strength [9], muscular endurance [10], balance [11], and mobility [12]) and mental functions (e.g., cognitive skills [13] and attention [14]). Originally devised by Jones et al [15], Nakatani et al confirmed the CS-30's reliability [16] and validity [17] for Japanese samples, and determined reference scores for the Japanese population [16].…”