Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Aging is a universal process, associated with biological modifications that cause alterations in the gait pattern, decreased walking speed, and loss of muscle strength, which decreases 1 and 2% annually in the elderly. Thus, as years go by, the elderly are associated with the loss of functionality. Gait speed is considered an indicator of mobility and functionality. In addition, it is used in the evaluation of the physical performance of the elderly. Objective: To determine the relationship of knee extension strength in the gait speed of the elderly. Methods: This research was of an observational, quantitative and cross-sectional type, with the inclusion of 25 older adults, between the ages of 65 and 90 years. The participants were evaluated for isometric knee extension strength through manual dynamometry and gait speed with the 10 Meters walk test. Results: It is verified that the right (r=0.559) and left (r=0.449) knee extension force is correlated with gait speed, obtaining a value p<0.05. It is also observed that muscle strength and gait speed decrease at advanced ages. Conclusions: Knee extension muscle strength is related to gait speed in the elderly.
Authors: Richard Ismael Villacís Villacís, Gerardo Fernando Fernández Soto, Milton Alejandro Pacheco Guzmán, Franklin Hernán Cashabamba Padilla, María Alexandra Vaca Sánchez
Institution: Universidad Técnica de Ambato
Language: English
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4405390447