Recent studies have shown that peak muscle power (force x velocity) is a stronger predictor of functional ability in older adults than maximal muscle strength (1RM). Few studies, however, have compared the contribution of velocity-based measures to functional performance at external resistances most commonly encountered during typical daily tasks. PURPOSE: To examine the associations of muscle power, force, contraction velocity, and acceleration with functional performance measures to determine the variables most important to these tasks. METHODS: Cross-sectional baseline data on 13 older men and women (AGE: 75±1.9 years; HT: 165±1.5 cm; WT: 78 ± 3.7 [mean + SE]) were obtained from an ongoing resistance training (RT) study. Leg Press (LP) peak muscle power (PP), contraction velocity (VEL), acceleration (ACC), and force generation (F) were obtained at 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, and 90% 1RM using computer-interfaced Keiser a420 pneumatic RT equipment. Functional tasks consisted of a Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), dynamic balance (Forward Tandem Walk [FTW]; Backward Tandem Walk [BTW]), Timed Up and Go (TUG), Chair Rise (CR) and Stair Climb (SC) performance. Associations between functional measures (dependent variables) and impairment-based measures (independent variables) were determined using linear regression models. Statistical significance was accepted at p<0.05. RESULTS: LP PP at 40% 1RM was significantly associated with SPPB (R2=0.33, p<0.05) and CR (R2=0.39, p<0.05), while LP PP at 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, and 90% 1RM was significantly associated with SC (range: R2=0.28 – R2=0.40, all p<0.05). LP VEL at 40% 1RM was significantly associated with SPPB (R2=0.39, p<0.05), CR (R2=0.56, p<0.05), and TUG (R2=0.30, p<0.05). LP ACC at 40% and 50% 1RM (R2=0.34 and R2=0.32, respectively; both p<0.05); 40%, 50%, and 60% 1RM (R2=0.58, R2=0.50, and R2=0.41, respectively; all p<0.05); and 60% and 70% 1RM (R2=051 and R2=0.33, respectively; both p<0.05) were significantly associated with TUG, CR, and SPPB, respectively. Peak F from 40%–90% 1RM was not significantly associated with any of the functional performance variables measured (all: P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Velocity based measures of muscle performance across a range of external resistances most commonly encountered during daily tasks were more highly associated with physical functioning than force generation. Our findings emphasize the importance of focusing on higher speed movements and variable external resistances when applying RT exercise to older adults.