Association Between Toe Flexor Strength and Activity Levels in Community-Dwelling Japanese Older Women

This study aimed to explore the relationship between toe flexor strength and the daily activity levels in 56 Japanese older women aged between 70 and 88 years. The activity levels were measured as the average number of steps/day using a pedometer and the life space assessment (LSA) scores. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare toe flexor muscle strength and the LSA scores between those with fewer than and more than 6,000 steps/day. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to investigate the relationship between toe grip strength according to age and each variable. The LSA scores were significantly higher in the group with >6,000 steps/day (β = 0.188, p < .05). A correlation was found between the number of steps/day and toe flexor strength (r = .424, β = 0.419, p < .05) and the LSA scores (r = .417, β = 0.435, p < .05) in the participants in their 80s. Increasing the number of steps/day may benefit women in their 80s.

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Toe flexor strength is associated with mobility in older adults with pronated and supinated feet but not with neutral feet

10.21203/rs.3.rs-29886/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Yuki Kusagawa ◽

Toshiyuki Kurihara ◽

Aiko Imai ◽

Sumiaki Maeo ◽

Takashi Sugiyama ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Young Adults ◽

Older Women ◽

Walking Speed ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Timed Up And Go ◽

Chair Stand ◽

Foot Posture ◽

Toe Flexor Strength ◽

Flexor Strength

Abstract Background: Older adults are known to have more pronated foot posture and decreased toe flexor strength (TFS), as well as decreased mobility in daily life compared to young adults. Although foot posture is reported to be an influential factor for walking biomechanics in young adults, there is less information on this subject in older adults. Age-related reduction in TFS is shown to be associated with impairments of functional performance, but it is poorly understood whether foot posture influences the relationships between TFS and functional performances. Therefore, the present study aimed to elucidate this concern by examining older women. Methods: Seventy community-dwelling older women (76.8 ± 4.4 years) voluntarily participated in this study. Foot posture was evaluated by the 6-item foot posture index (FPI). Based on the FPI score, participants were allocated to pronated, neutral, or supinated group (n = 33, 26, and 11, respectively). TFS was assessed using a toe grip dynamometer in a seated position. Scores of 30-second chair stand, timed up-and-go, 5-m comfortable-speed walking, and static balance tests were determined to evaluate functional performances. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were computed to examine the relationships between TFS and functional performances in each group. Results: TFS positively correlated with comfortable walking speed in the pronated (r = 0.37, p = 0.03) and supinated (r = 0.76, p < 0.001) groups, but not in the neutral group (r = 0.17, p = 0.42). For the two significant relationships, an analysis of covariance showed that there was no significant difference between the pronated and supinated groups in the slopes of the regression lines, suggesting a similar relative contribution of TFS to comfortable walking speed between the two groups. In addition, TFS tended to negatively correlate with timed up-and-go time in the pronated (r = -0.32, p = 0.07) and supinated (r = -0.56, p = 0.08) groups, and positively correlate with 30-second chair stand score in the pronated group (r = 0.31, p = 0.08). Conclusions: The present study indicates that TFS would be associated with mobility, walking performance in particular, in older women with pronated and supinated feet but not with neutral feet.

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Toe Flexor Muscle Strength and Morphological Characteristics of the Foot in Judo Athletes

International Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1055/a-0796-6679 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (04) ◽

pp. 263-268 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Keiji Koyama ◽

Mitsushi Hirokawa ◽

Yukiharu Yoshitaka ◽

Junichiro Yamauchi

Keyword(s):

Muscle Strength ◽

Morphological Characteristics ◽

Morphological Structure ◽

Muscle Thickness ◽

Arch Height ◽

Flexor Muscle ◽

Foot Arch ◽

Judo Athletes ◽

Toe Flexor Strength ◽

Flexor Strength

AbstractWhether practicing in judo influences the muscle strength and morphological characteristics of the foot is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the toe flexor muscle strength and morphological characteristics of the foot in judo athletes. Judo athletes (JUDO, men=24) and age-, gender- and body mass-matched physically active healthy subjects (CON, men=24) were recruited, and their toe flexor strength and morphological characteristics of the foot were compared. The maximum isometric toe flexor strength and foot intrinsic muscle thicknesses were measured using a toe grip dynamometer and a B-mode ultrasound, respectively. Foot arch height was assessed as the distance between the navicular tuberosity of the foot and the floor in the sitting and standing positions. JUDO showed a significantly lower foot arch height and smaller foot arch index than CON, whereas foot length and muscle thickness did not significantly differ between groups. The toe flexor strength relative to total muscle thickness was significantly larger in JUDO than CON. The foot arch dynamics was significantly larger in JUDO than CON. This study suggests that exercise training specific to judo may affect the force-generating capacity, morphological structure and arch function of the foot.

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Toe flexor strength is associated with mobility in older adults with pronated and supinated feet but not with neutral feet

Journal of Foot and Ankle Research ◽

10.1186/s13047-020-00422-y ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yuki Kusagawa ◽

Toshiyuki Kurihara ◽

Aiko Imai ◽

Sumiaki Maeo ◽

Takashi Sugiyama ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Young Adults ◽

Older Women ◽

Walking Speed ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Timed Up And Go ◽

Chair Stand ◽

Foot Posture ◽

Toe Flexor Strength ◽

Flexor Strength

Abstract Background Older adults are known to have more pronated foot posture and decreased toe flexor strength (TFS), as well as decreased mobility in daily life compared to young adults. Although foot posture is reported to be an influential factor for walking biomechanics in young adults, there is less information on this subject in older adults. Age-related reduction in TFS is shown to be associated with impairments of functional performance, but it is poorly understood whether foot posture influences the relationships between TFS and functional performances. Therefore, the present study aimed to elucidate this concern by examining older women. Methods Seventy community-dwelling older women (76.8 ± 4.4 years) voluntarily participated in this study. Foot posture was evaluated by the 6-item foot posture index (FPI). Based on the FPI score, participants were allocated to pronated, neutral, or supinated group (n = 33, 26, and 11, respectively). TFS was assessed using a toe grip dynamometer in a seated position. Scores of 30-s chair stand, timed up-and-go, 5-m comfortable-speed walking, and static balance tests were determined to evaluate functional performances. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were computed to examine the relationships between TFS and functional performances in each group. Results TFS positively correlated with comfortable walking speed in the pronated (r = 0.37, p = 0.03) and supinated (r = 0.76, p < 0.001) groups, but not in the neutral group (r = 0.17, p = 0.42). For the two significant relationships, an analysis of covariance showed that there was no significant difference between the pronated and supinated groups in the slopes of the regression lines, suggesting a similar relative contribution of TFS to comfortable walking speed between the two groups. In addition, TFS tended to negatively correlate with timed up-and-go time in the pronated (r = − 0.32, p = 0.07) and supinated (r = − 0.56, p = 0.08) groups, and positively correlate with 30-s chair stand score in the pronated group (r = 0.31, p = 0.08). Conclusions The present study indicates that TFS would be associated with mobility, walking performance in particular, in older women with pronated and supinated feet but not with neutral feet.

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Toe flexor strength is associated with mobility in older adults with pronated and supinated feet but not with neutral feet

10.21203/rs.3.rs-29886/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Yuki Kusagawa ◽

Toshiyuki Kurihara ◽

Aiko Imai ◽

Sumiaki Maeo ◽

Takashi Sugiyama ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Young Adults ◽

Older Women ◽

Walking Speed ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Timed Up And Go ◽

Chair Stand ◽

Foot Posture ◽

Toe Flexor Strength ◽

Flexor Strength

Abstract Background Older adults are known to have more pronated foot posture and decreased toe flexor strength (TFS), as well as decreased mobility compared to young adults. Although foot posture is reported to be an influential factor for walking biomechanics in young adults, there is less information on this subject in older adults. Age-related reduction in TFS is shown to be associated with impairments of functional performance, but it is poorly understood whether foot posture influences the relationships between TFS and functional performances. Therefore, the present study aimed to elucidate this concern by examining older women. Methods Seventy community-dwelling older women (76.8 ± 4.4 years) voluntarily participated in this study. Foot posture was evaluated by the 6-item foot posture index (FPI). On the basis of the FPI score, participants were allocated to pronated, neutral, or supinated group (n = 33, 26, and 11, respectively). TFS was assessed using a toe grip dynamometer in a seated position. Scores of 30-second chair stand, timed up-and-go, 5-m comfortable-speed walking, and static balance tests were determined to evaluate functional performances. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were computed to examine the relationships between TFS and functional performances in each group. Results TFS positively correlated with comfortable walking speed in the pronated (r = 0.37, p = 0.03) and supinated (r = 0.76, p < 0.001) groups, but not in the neutral group (r = 0.17, p = 0.42). For the two significant relationships, an analysis of covariance showed that there was no significant difference between the pronated and supinated groups in the slopes of the regression lines, suggesting a similar relative contribution of TFS to comfortable walking speed between the two groups. In addition, TFS tended to negatively correlate with timed up-and-go time in the pronated (r = -0.32, p = 0.07) and supinated (r = -0.56, p = 0.08) groups, and positively correlate with 30-second chair stand score in the pronated group (r = 0.31, p = 0.08). Conclusions The present study indicates that TFS would be associated with mobility, walking performance in particular, in older women with pronated and supinated feet but not with neutral feet.

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The Relationship of Quality of Sleep, Depression, Late-Life Function and Disability (LLFDI) in Community-Dwelling Older Women with Urinary Incontinence

Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing ◽

10.4040/jkan.2008.38.4.573 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 38 (4) ◽

pp. 573 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Kyung Rim Shin ◽

Younhee Kang ◽

Jiwon Oak

Keyword(s):

Urinary Incontinence ◽

Older Women ◽

Late Life ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Quality Of Sleep ◽

Relationship Of ◽

The Relationship ◽

Life Function

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Association of lower extremity range of motion and muscle strength with physical performance of community-dwelling older women

Journal of PHYSIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY ◽

10.1186/s40101-016-0120-8 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 35 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Hungu Jung ◽

Masahiro Yamasaki

Keyword(s):

Muscle Strength ◽

Lower Extremity ◽

Range Of Motion ◽

Older Women ◽

Physical Performance ◽

Community Dwelling

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The Relationship between Psychological Needs and Health Promoting Behavior in Community-dwelling Older Women

journal of east-west nursing research ◽

10.14370/jewnr.2015.21.2.126 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 21 (2) ◽

pp. 126-132 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Keyword(s):

Older Women ◽

Psychological Needs ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Health Promoting ◽

The Relationship

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The Relationship between Convenience of Destinations and Walking Levels in Older Women

American Journal of Health Promotion ◽

10.4278/0890-1171-18.1.74 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

pp. 74-82 ◽

Cited By ~ 138

Author(s):

Wendy C. King ◽

Jennifer S. Brach ◽

Steven Belle ◽

Richard Killingsworth ◽

Mark Fenton ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Women ◽

Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽

Neighborhood Environment ◽

Walking Distance ◽

Positive Trend ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Neighborhood Walkability ◽

The Relationship

Purpose. To examine the relationship between physical activity and (1) convenience of destinations, measured by whether destinations (such as a park, trail, businesses, and services) are within walking distance of the home, and (2) participants' perception of the quality of their neighborhood surroundings for walking, captured with a global neighborhood “walkability” rating. Design. Cross-sectional analysis of data obtained in 1999. Setting. Community in southwest Pennsylvania. Subjects. Older Caucasian women (n = 149, mean age = 74.2 years). Response rate = 79%. Measures. Walking levels, leisure-time physical activity, and features of the neighborhood environment were measured with interviewer-administered questionnaires. Physical activity was also measured objectively with a pedometer. Results. Living within walking distance (defined as within a 20-minute walk of home) of a park; biking or walking trail; or department, discount, or hardware store was related to higher pedometer readings ( p < .01). In addition, there was a positive trend between the sum of destinations within walking distance of home and activity levels measured by pedometer and questionnaire ( p < .01). There was also a positive trend between participants' neighborhood “walkability” rating and activity levels measured by pedometer and questionnaire ( p < .01). Conclusion. These findings suggest that the ability to make utilitarian walking trips from home and the perception of having favorable neighborhood surroundings for walking are associated with increased physical activity levels in older women.

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