Lower limb muscle weakness predicts use of a multiple-versus single-step strategy to recover from forward loss of balance in older adults

Carty, Christopher P., Barrett, Rod S., Cronin, Neil J., Lichtwark, Glen A. and Mills, Peter M. (2012) Lower limb muscle weakness predicts use of a multiple-versus single-step strategy to recover from forward loss of balance in older adults. Journals of Gerontology Series A-Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 67 11: 1246-1252.


Author Carty, Christopher P.
Barrett, Rod S.
Cronin, Neil J.
Lichtwark, Glen A.
Mills, Peter M.
Title Lower limb muscle weakness predicts use of a multiple-versus single-step strategy to recover from forward loss of balance in older adults
Journal name Journals of Gerontology Series A-Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences  (ERA 2012 Listed)    (ERA 2010 Rank A)   Check publisher's open access policy
Publication date 2012-11
Sub-type Article
DOI 10.1093/gerona/gls149
Volume number 67
Issue number 11
ISSN 1079-5006; 1758-535X
Start page 1246
End page 1252
Total pages 7
Place of publication Cary, NC United States
Publisher Oxford University Press
Collection year 2013
Language eng
Formatted abstract Background: Older adults compared with young adults have reduced strength and balance recovery ability. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether age, sex, and/or lower limb strength predicted the stepping strategy used to recover from a forward loss of balance.
Methods: Ninety-five, community-dwelling, older adults, aged 65-90 years, participated in the study. Loss of balance was induced by releasing participants from a static forward lean. Participants performed four trials at three initial lean magnitudes and were subsequently classified as using a single- or multiple-step strategy. Isometric strength of the ankle, knee, and hip joint flexors and extensors was assessed using a dynamometer.
Results: Univariate logistic regression revealed that a unit (ie, 1% body weight [BW] × height) decrease in ankle plantar flexion, knee extension, or hip flexion strength was associated with 1.7-2.5 times increased odds of adopting a multiple-step strategy. Women also had greater odds of requiring a multiple-step recovery strategy at the two greatest lean magnitudes. Forward stepwise logistic regression revealed that hip flexor strength in particular was influential as it was the primary predictor included in the logistic regression models at 20% and 25% BW lean magnitudes.
Conclusions: Lower limb muscle weakness, especially of the hip flexors and knee extensors, was associated with increased odds of requiring multiple steps compared with single steps to recover from forward loss of balance across a range of initial lean magnitudes. Improved balance recovery ability might be achieved by targeting these muscle groups in falls prevention programs.
Keyword Aging
Falls
Strength
Dynamic Stability Control
Age Related Differences
Q-Index Code C1
Q-Index Status Confirmed Code
Institutional Status UQ

Document type: Journal Article
Sub-type: Article
Collections: Official 2013 Collection
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