Comparison of quadriceps setting strength and knee extension strength tests to evaluate lower limb muscle strength based on health-related physical fitness values in elderly people

ObjectiveConventionally, knee extension strength is often used as the indicator for lower limb muscle strength; however, several recent studies have also used quadriceps setting strength. This study aimed to investigate and compare the association of quadriceps setting and knee extension strength with health-related physical fitness.MethodsWe evaluated quadriceps setting strength and isometric knee extension strength in 75 elderly subjects (mean age, 76.8±5.3 years) to determine their lower limb muscle strength. Health-related physical fitness was evaluated using the physical fitness test advocated by the Ministry of Education and Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in Japan. The test consists of the following components: grip strength, sit-up, sit and reach, one leg standing with eyes open, 10 m obstacle walk and 6 min walk.ResultsWhen adjusted for age, sex and body mass index, quadriceps setting strength was significantly correlated with grip strength, number of sit-ups, sit and reach distance, 10 m obstacle walking time and 6 min walking distance. In contrast, knee extension strength was associated only with grip strength and number of sit-ups.ConclusionMore health-related physical fitness parameters with quadriceps setting strength than knee extension strength. Quadriceps setting strength may be superior to knee extension strength as a predictor of health-related physical fitness.

Download Full-text

Correlation between static postural balance, falls and pick torque isokinetic of extensors and flexors of the knee in elderly

Manual Therapy Posturology & Rehabilitation Journal ◽

10.17784/mtprehabjournal.2017.15.469 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Marieli Ramos Stocco ◽

Deise Aparecida de Almeida Pires-Oliveira ◽

Laís Campus de Oliveira ◽

Raphael Gonçalves de Oliveira ◽

Fábio Antônio Néia Martini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Muscle Strength ◽

Lower Limb ◽

Postural Balance ◽

The Elderly ◽

Knee Extension ◽

Knee Extensors ◽

Strong Positive Correlation ◽

Lower Limb Muscle ◽

Limb Muscle ◽

Positive Correlation

Introduction: Declines of static postural balance and muscle strength, especially of lower limbs are strong predictors of falls in the elderly. Objective: The objective of this study was to identify the possible correlation between static postural balance, falls and isokinetic torque peak of knee extensors and flexors in the elderly. Methods: A cross-sectional study with anthropometric evaluation of static postural balance in unipodal limb support was performed using the force platform, flexural strength test and knee extension of the dominant limb using the isokinetic dynamometer and the application of a structured questionnaire on falls. They agreed to participate in the study 106 volunteers of both sexes through the signing of the free and informed consent. The data were treated in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences program version 20.0. Results: There was a weak positive correlation between center of pressure (COP) area and peak flexion torque (r=0.204, p=0.041) and extension (r=0.228; p=0.022) of the knee, as well as peak extension (r=0.319, p=0.001) and lateral mean (r=0.324, p=0.001). A moderate positive correlation between COP area and anteroposterior velocity (r=0.694, p=0.000) and lateral mean (r = 0.646; p = 0.000) and strong positive correlation was found only between peak flexion torque and knee extension (r=0.719, p=0.000). Conclusion: There was a weak correlation between static postural balance and dominant lower limb muscle strength, and there was no correlation between falls and lower limb muscle strength, or between falls and static postural balance in the studied sample.

Download Full-text