Muscle strength and anthropometric indices in elderly men and women

Muscle strength, overlying skinfold thickness and calculated muscle area for the triceps surae muscle of the calf and the biceps brachii of the upper arm are described in 184 subjects (100 female, 84 male) aged between 65 and 90 years. The group comprised mobile volunteers, living independently, from a large group-practice. Health screening was minimal. Relationships between anthropometric and strength variables are explored and compared with other studies. This was apparently a well-nourished group. Muscle strengths and areas were low compared to younger subjects. Strength in relationship to area was variable, lower than in the younger subjects and also lower in the females than the males. Strength of the calf compared to body weight fell below unity in some cases.