Research Article
Changes in the muscle strength and functional performance of healthy women with aging
Mohammad Akbari, Roghayeh Mousavikhatir
Published:
August 01, 2012
DOI:
License:
© 2012 Tehran University of Medical Sciences2012This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial 3.0 License (CC BY-NC 3.0), which allows users to read, copy, distribute and make derivative works for non-commercial purposes from the material, as long as the author of the original work is cited properly.
Abstract
BackgroundLower limbs antigravity muscles weakness and decreased functional ability have significant role in falling. The aim of this study was to find the effects of aging on muscle strength and functional ability, determining the range of decreasing strength and functional ability and relationship between them in healthy women.MethodsAcross-section study was performed on 101 healthy women aged 21-80 years. The participants were divided into six age groups. The maximum isometric strength of four muscle groups was measured using a hand-held dynamometer bilaterally. The functional ability was measured with functional reach (FR), timed get up and go (TGUG), single leg stance (SLS), and stairs walking (SW) tests.ResultsMuscle strength changes were not significant between 21-40 years of age, but decreased significantly thereafter. Also, there was a significant relationship between muscle strength and functional ability in age groups.ConclusionBoth muscle strength and functional ability is reduced as a result of aging, but the decrease in functional ability can be detected earlier.