Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the significance of measuring predicted maximum stride length in relation to muscle strength, balance, and walking ability by combining predicted and measured maximum stride length. The subjects were 100 elderly women living in the community. The predicted and measured maximum stride length, 30-second chair standing test, knee extension muscle strength, one-leg standing time, and normal walking speed were measured, and correlation analysis was conducted between maximum stride length and the other measures. In addition, multiple regression analysis was conducted using the predicted value of maximum stride length as the dependent variable. As a result, a strong positive correlation was found between the predicted and measured maximum stride lengths. Furthermore, the predicted and measured maximum stride lengths showed significant positive correlations with all other measures. A multiple regression analysis revealed that walking speed was independently associated with the predicted value of maximum stride length, and the cutoff value of the predicted value of maximum stride length was calculated to be 77.5cm, indicating a decrease in walking speed. These results suggest that the predicted value of maximum stride length can be used as a screening test for reduced walking ability.
