An investigation into hip muscle strength and biomechanical moments produced during chair sit down in older adults

Samuel, D., Hood, V. and Rowe, P.J. (2005) An investigation into hip muscle strength and biomechanical moments produced during chair sit down in older adults. Age and Ageing, 34 (Supplement 2), p.ii5. (doi:10.1093/ageing/34.ii5).

Abstract

Background Muscle strength is an important component of performance and is a vital measure for characterisation of functional capability in everyday activities. Currently, there is little evidence with regard to the impact of loss of strength at the hip joint on the ability to perform a chair sit down activity in older adults.
Method A custom-built torque dynamometer was used to measure muscle strength of hip extensors in 82 older adults who were aged 60 years and over. Isometric strength was measured at three positions namely 45°,30° and 0° of hip flexion within the joint range of motion. Biomechanical analysis with Vicon motion analysis system and Kistler force platforms was performed to determine functional moments produced during chair sit down.
Results Muscle strength decreased with increasing age for hip extensors in all the three joint positions. The 80 year olds had lower strengths (22% ± 3%) compared to those in the younger age cohorts and the differences were statistically significant. (P value <0.05) Hip extensor strength was significantly correlated with functional moments with a correlation coefficient r =0.47. (P value = <0.001)
Conclusion This investigation showed that poor hip extensor strength was associated with reduced functional moments produced at hip during chair sit down in older adults. Hence, loss of muscle strength with advancing age is likely to increase the demands of performing this activity in older adults.

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Contributors

Author: D. Samuel

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