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Quadriceps muscle strength and dynamic stability in elderly persons.
D Moxley Scarborough1, D E Krebs, B A Harris
1Biomotion Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Ruth Sleeper Hall, Room 010, 40 Parkman Street, Boston 02114, USA. dscarborough@partners.org
Gait & Posture
|September 2, 1999
Summary
Quadriceps muscle strength is key for dynamic stability in older adults during activities like rising from a chair and walking. Greater strength leads to better stability, regardless of movement strategy used.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Biomechanics
- Kinesiology
Background:
- Functional limitations in elderly individuals often stem from reduced muscle strength.
- Maintaining dynamic stability is crucial for preventing falls and maintaining independence in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between quadriceps femoris muscle strength and dynamic stability during functional activities in disabled elders.
- To determine if quadriceps strength influences movement strategies during chair rise and their impact on stability.
Main Methods:
- 34 disabled elders (aged 60-88) underwent maximum isometric quadriceps muscle strength testing.
- Chair rise and gait analyses were performed, measuring parameters like linear momentum, stride length, and gait velocity.
- Statistical correlations were calculated between quadriceps strength and dynamic stability measures.
Main Results:
- Quadriceps strength significantly correlated with measures of dynamic stability during both chair rise and gait.
- Stronger quadriceps correlated with greater upper body vertical and anteroposterior linear momentum during chair rise.
- Increased quadriceps strength was associated with longer stride length and higher gait velocity.
Conclusions:
- Quadriceps femoris muscle strength is a critical determinant of dynamic stability in functionally limited elderly individuals.
- Clinicians should assess quadriceps strength before recommending compensatory movement strategies to avoid instability.
- Targeting quadriceps strengthening may improve functional mobility and reduce fall risk in the elderly.