Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the plantar flexion strength and quadriceps femoris muscle strength and physical function. The study subjects were 74 elderly people, and we measured their plantar flexion strength, quadriceps femoris strength, walking speed, CS-30, as well as the times achieved for the 10-m hurdle walk and standing on one leg with eyes open. We clarified that the plantar flexion strength was significantly correlated with all other items. As a result of multiple regression analyses using a stepwise method, TUG and the standing time on one leg were extracted as factors independently related to the plantar flexion strength,andthetimefor the 10-m-hurdle walk and walking speed were extracted as factors independently related to the quadriceps femoris strength. These findings suggest that the plantar flexion strength reflected the balance ability of elderly people more efficiently than quadriceps femoris strength.
