Abstract
BackgroundToe flexor muscles play an important role in posture and locomotion, and poor toe flexor strength is a risk factor for falls. In this cross-sectional study, we estimated the age-related change in toe flexor strength and compared it with that of handgrip strength. Independent factors predicting toe flexor and handgrip strength were also determined.MethodsA total of 1401 male (aged 35–59 years) study participants were divided into five groups according to their chronological age; 35–39, 40–44, 45–49, 50–54, and 55–59 years. Toe flexor and handgrip strength, anthropometry, and resting blood pressure were measured. Fasting blood samples were collected to measure blood glucose, triglycerides, high- and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterols, and albumin. A self-administered lifestyle questionnaire was conducted.ResultsDecline in absolute toe flexor and handgrip strength began in the age groups 50–55 and 55–59 years, respectively. In comparison to the mean values of the youngest group, relative toe flexor strength (87.0 ± 26.6%) was significantly lower than handgrip strength (94.4 ± 13.1%) for the oldest group. Multiple regression analyses showed that independent factors predicting both toe flexor and handgrip strength were lean body mass, age, serum albumin, drinking habit, and fat mass. Additionally, fasting blood glucose, diastolic blood pressure, sleeping time and exercise habit were predicting factors of toe flexor strength but not of handgrip strength.ConclusionsAge-related reduction in toe flexor strength was earlier and greater than handgrip strength, and toe flexor strength reflects body composition and metabolic status.
Highlights
Toe flexor muscles play an important role in posture and locomotion, and poor toe flexor strength is a risk factor for falls
Both toe flexor and handgrip strength were reduced with age
Reductions in toe flexor and handgrip strength relative to body mass (BM) or lean body mass (LBM) were both seen first in the group aged 40–44 years, and reductions in both strengths relative to LBM further proceeded in the group aged 55–59 years
Summary
Toe flexor muscles play an important role in posture and locomotion, and poor toe flexor strength is a risk factor for falls. In this cross-sectional study, we estimated the age-related change in toe flexor strength and compared it with that of handgrip strength. Toe flexor muscles are associated with arch support [2], Skeletal muscle functions and volume reduce with age [13, 14], and the rate of such reductions differ between regions and muscles. The rate of the age-related reduction seen differ between flexor and extensor muscle strength and volume [18, 19]. The pattern of age-related reduction in muscle force varies considerably [16, 20]
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