2001 Volume 61 Issue 3 Pages 362-367
The purpose of this study was to obtain an estimation of the muscular strength of the lower extremities and to develop treatment guidelines from the relationship with the possible standing level, the ratio of isometric knee extension muscular strength/body weight, and the independent moving degree. The subjects were nursing home residents (age: 58.9±17.0), consisting of 74 males (60.2±18.5) and 68 females (57.6±15.5) . An apparent positive correlation was shown between the standing level and isometric knee extension muscular strength (Both legs standing: r=0.67, p<0.01, Single leg standing: r=0.75, p<0.01) . The muscular strength in each of four boxes used in this study (40, 30, 20, and 10 cm in height) was 28.9, 35.3, 44.3, and 51.9% respectively, of the body weight for both legs ; and 62.3, 68.0, 90.2, and 102.7% respectively, for one leg. As for the relationship between the standing level and moving ability, the standing level at both legs at 20 cm is divided by the independent degree into assistance and independent levels. Moreover, the standing level using one leg at 40 cm was necessary to become independent without anxiety. This evaluation is considered to be useful for clinical practice.
