Abstract
[Purpose] This study aimed to reveal gender differences in the relation between lower extremity and cognitive function. [Methods] Participants were 124 male (mean age: 76.3, SD: 5.8) and 96 female elderly (mean age: 76.3, SD: 5.8). We measured performance in the 30-second chair stand test (CS-30), isometric knee extension strength (IKES), and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) results. Participants were divided into three groups according to CS-30 score reference value: Higher, Moderate, and Lower. We compared MMSE and IKES scores among the three groups in each gender. [Results] IKES was significantly lower in the Lower than in the Higher group in each gender (p < 0.05). MMSE scores were significantly lower in the Lower than in the Higher group only in women (p < 0.05). [Conclusion] These results suggest gender differences in the relation between lower extremity and cognitive function, especially in female participants, who show a relation between cognitive decline and poor lower extremity function. We should be aware that elderly women with poor lower extremity function might also have cognitive disorders.
