2015 Volume 30 Issue 2 Pages 239-246
[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the range of motion (ROM) and muscle strength of the lower extremities of males and females of different age groups. [Subjects] This study recruited 141 healthy subjects who were divided into three groups based on age: young, middle-aged, and elderly. [Methods] ROM and muscle strength were measured at the hip, knee, and ankle joints. [Results] ROM of most motions was significantly decreased in the middle-aged group of males and in the elderly group of females. Hip adduction, knee flexion, and ankle dorsiflexion showed no differences between females and males. Only hip external rotation was significantly greater in males than in females. Other motions were significantly greater in females than males. In the middle-aged group, both males and females showed a significant decrease in muscle strength. Hip extension, abduction, and adduction, as well as knee extension and flexion, were significantly greater in males than in females in the young group. Knee extension was significantly greater in males than in females in the middle-aged group. [Conclusion] It is important to consider the tendency of ROM and muscle strength to change due to aging in each gender when providing physical therapy.
