Citation

El Haber N, Erbas B, Hill KD, Wark JD. Clin. Sci. (1979) 2008; 114(12): 719–727.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Medical Research Society and the Biochemical Society, Publisher Portland Press)

DOI

10.1042/CS20070301

PMID

18092948

Abstract

Age-related decline in balance, gait and lower-extremity muscle strength measures may lead to increased risk of falls and fractures. Previous research has reported possible non-linear age-related decline in these measures, but the choice of methodological approach limited interpretation. Healthy community-dwelling women (n=212) aged 21-82 years were evaluated for strength [Nicholas Manual Muscle Tester (MMT)], gait [Clinical Stride Analyzer (CSA)], activity [Human Activity Profile (HAP)] and static and dynamic balance [Chattecx Balance System (CBS), Lord's Balance Test (LBT) and the Step Test (ST)]. A generalized additive model (GAM) was developed for each outcome variable to estimate the functional relationship, with age as a continuous variable. Performance was maintained until the age of 45-55 years, depending on the outcome measure. Thereafter, decline in performance was evident with increasing age in all measures. Overall, a significant non-linear relationship with age was demonstrated for lower-extremity strength measures (MMT), velocity and double support duration of gait (CSA) and some clinical and laboratory balance tests [ST, LBT (eyes open) and the CBS]. Linear relationships were demonstrated by the LBT tests with eyes closed and activity measures. Balance, lower-extremity muscle strength and gait may decline non-linearly with age. Our study suggests possible threshold effects between age and balance, muscle strength and gait measures in women. Further research into these threshold effects may have implications for the optimal timing of exercise and other interventions to reduce risk of falls and fractures.

Language: en