Citation

Vaapio S, Salminen M, Vahlberg T, Kivela SL. Aging Clin. Exp. Res. 2011; 23(1): 42-48.

Affiliation

1Institute of Clinical Medicine, Family Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland, 2Satakunta Central Hospital, Pori, Finland. sasiva@utu.fi.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.3275/6860

PMID

20154505

Abstract

Background and aims: The aim of this longitudinal study was to describe whether an increase in knee extension strength is associated with improvements in managing in activities of daily living (ADL) and in self-perceived physical condition in fall-prone community-dwelling older women. Methods: Subjects (n=417) aged >/=65 years belonged either to an intervention group or a control group in a 12-month randomized controlled fall prevention trial. Isometric muscle strength of knee extension was measured with adjustable dynamometer chair. Managing in activities of daily living was measured with structured questions about abilities to climb stairs, walk at least 400 m, toilet, bath, go to sauna, do light or heavy housework, and carry heavy loads. Furthermore, a question of self-perceived physical condition was asked. Results: Positive associations were found between an increased knee extension strength and an increase in walking at least 400 m (p<0.001), carrying heavy loads (p=0.004), climbing the stairs (p=0.007), and in self-perceived physical condition (p=0.005) during 12 months. In addition, low age, non-use of walking aid, low number of prescribed medications, and good functional balance at baseline were associated with an increase in performance of these ADL functions. Conclusions: An increase in knee extension strength during the 12-month follow-up was associated with an improvement in some ADL functions and with an improvement in self-perceived physical condition during the same period in fall-prone community-dwelling women.

Language: en