Knee extensor strength for independent locomotion in the elderly

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the knee extensor strength required for independence in locomotion activities in the elderly. Subjects were 80 nursing home residents with the average age of 81.3 ± 5.48 years. They were divided into two groups; independent and dependent (need some assistance), according to the Mobility index of Barthel Index on climbing activity of steps, bathing activity, gait, toilet activity, and transfer from bed to wheelchair. A total of %BW of the maximum isometric knee extensor strength of the both sides measured by a manually holding myometer was used as the subject's knee extensor strength. Independent group exhibited significantly greater knee extensor muscle in all the activities compared with dependent group (p<0.01). The discriminatory analysis indicated that %BW discriminating independent from dependent groups was approximately 48.5% in climbing activity of steps and 44-45% in other activities. These values are considered the standard knee extensor strength required for independence in locomotion activities in the elderly. © 1997, The Society of Physical Therapy Science. All rights reserved.