Framework for a short muscle function battery using electronic handgrip dynamometry and accelerometry in older...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Kinesiology

Background:

• Electronic handgrip dynamometry and accelerometry offer novel ways to assess muscle function beyond maximal strength.
• Some muscle function attributes may be interrelated, suggesting a need to consolidate them into a short muscle function battery (SMFB).

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the multivariate relationships between various muscle function attributes in older adults.
• To explore the potential for creating a concise SMFB using advanced measurement tools.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional laboratory study involving 121 healthy older adults (mean age 70.7 years).
• Measurements included maximal strength, asymmetry, submaximal control, rate of force development, bimanual coordination, fatigability, and contractile steadiness using electronic handgrip dynamometry and accelerometry.
• Factor analysis was employed on standardized handgrip variables to identify underlying themes.

Main Results:

• Three factors emerged from the analysis, explaining significant variance in muscle function.
• Factor 1 (Functional Strength) comprised strength, submaximal control, and rate of force development (39.9% variance).
• Factor 2 (Lateral Function) included asymmetry and bimanual coordination (35.8% variance), while Factor 3 (Muscle Endurance) encompassed fatigability and contractile steadiness (24.3% variance).

Conclusions:

• The study identified distinct themes in muscle function measures, providing a basis for a short muscle function battery (SMFB).
• Further research is necessary to validate these findings for clinical application in assessing muscle function in older adults.