Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026
Evaluating the Function of the Foot Core System in the Elderly
Published on: March 11, 2022
The relationship between lower extremity strength and power to everday walking behaviors in older adults with
Michael L Puthoff1, Kathleen F Janz, David Nielson
1St. Ambrose University, Physical Therapy Department, Davenport, IA 52803, USA. puthoffmichaell@sau.edu
Purpose:
While lower extremity strength and power show a relationship to laboratory measures of walking in older adults, the relationship of strength and power to walking behaviors in a community setting is unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between lower extremity strength, peak power, power at a low relative intensity, and power at a high relative intensity to everyday walking behaviors in older adults.
Methods:
Thirty community-dwelling older adults (mean age=77.3+7.0, 25 females, 5 males) took part in the study. Lower extremity strength and power were measured with a pneumatic resistance leg press. An accelerometer activity monitor was used to measure walking behaviors across 6 days with total steps, distance, and walking speed used as outcome measures.
Results:
Peak power (R2=0.16) was significantly related to total steps. Strength (R2=0.23), peak power (R2=0.44), power at low relative intensity (R2=0.41), and power at high relative intensity (R2=0.34) were significantly related to distance. Strength (R2=0.39), peak power (R2=0.50), power at low relative intensity (R2=0.38), and power at high relative intensity (R2=0.48) were significantly related to walking speed.
Conclusions:
Lower extremity strength, peak power, power at a low relative intensity, and power at a high relative intensity are all related to walking behaviors in older adults with peak power having the strongest relationship.
