Analysis of the correlation between the differences in muscle strengths between the bilateral lower extremities and postural stability in healthy adults

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between the differences in muscle strengths between the bilateral lower extremities and the level of postural sway that indicates postural stability. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 49 students (18 males and 31 females) at Y University in Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea, participated in this study. Partial correlation analysis was performed to determine the effects of sway length and velocity on the differences in muscle strengths between the lower extremities. [Results] Both sway length and sway velocity showed a negative correlation with the difference in bilateral ankle dorsiflexion strength. Both sway length and sway velocity showed a positive correlation with the difference in bilateral hip flexion strength. [Conclusion] Difference in left-right muscle strengths of hip flexion and ankle dorsiflexion can affect postural stability when the levels of lower extremity muscle strengths are excluded.