Abstract
406 The purpose of this study was to compare the relationships among lower-body muscular strength, rate of force production, and stability in older females with a history of falls (F) to those with no history of falls (NF). Eleven females (6 F, 78.4 and 5 NF 77.9 yrs) were recruited for this study from a geriatric retirement community. Subjects reported to the testing laboratory in the morning and performed all testing procedures during a single session. Skinfold measurements were taken from the triceps and suprailliac to estimate body composition. No significant differences were found between F and NF for age, height, weight, fat-free mass or percent fat. Bi-lateral isokinetic quadriceps muscle performance was measured at 30 and 60 deg/s using a Kin-Com II. Stability and 3-D functional muscle force production were measured using a sit-to-stand test on a Kistler forceplate. Subjects performed 3 maximal efforts on the Kin-Com II with the average being reported. Results indicated that concentric peak torque for both 30 and 60 deg/s was lower for F compared to NF (69.3±18 vs. 80.1±34 Nm, and 83.3±22 vs. 92.2±20 Nm, respectively, p<0.05). Eccentric peak torque was also lower for F compared to NF for both velocities (25.6±19 vs 30.3±15 Nm, and 38.7±9 vs 41.2±28 Nm, respectively, p<0.05). No significant differences were found between R and L for either group. Results of the sit-to-stand test indicated that reaction time was slower for F, 1000 vs. 600 ms (p<0.05). Peak force developed during the sit-to-stand test was also lower for F (210 vs 405 N p<0.05). Time to peak force was longer for F, 2200 vs. 1200 ms (p<0.05). The slopes of the force production curves were also significantly different between F and NF, 0.079 vs. 0.068. These results suggest that F have reduced lower-body muscle performance capabilities and that the sit-to-stand test may be a valid method for evaluating elderly females for potential risk of falls.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
