The Relationship between Lower Extremity Strength and Power to Everyday Walking Behaviors in Older Adults with Functional Limitations

• Published in: Journal of geriatric physical therapy (2001) Vol. 31; no. 1; pp. 24 - 31
• Main Authors: Puthoff, Michael L., Janz, Kathleen F., Nielsen, David H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: La Cross Issues on Aging 2008
• Subjects: Mortality; Older people; Physical therapy; Quality of life; Studies; Walking
• ISSN: 1539-8412; 2152-0895
• DOI: 10.1519/00139143-200831010-00005

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 (R^sup 2^ = 0.16) was significantly related to total steps. Strength (R^sup 2^ = 0.23), peak power (R^sup 2^ = 0.44), power at low relative intensity (R^sup 2^ = 0.41), and power at high relative intensity (R^sup 2^ = 0.34) were significantly related to distance. Strength (R^sup 2^ = 0.39), peak power (R^sup 2^ = 0.50), power at low relative intensity (R^sup 2^ = 0.38), and power at high relative intensity (R^sup 2^ = 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. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]