Abstract
The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics of isokinetic knee muscle strength in relation to age and gait in healthy women. Subjects were 18 young women (aged 22.0±1.6) and 47 elderly women (aged 70.6±5.1). The isokinetic knee extension and flexion were performed by both groups, at two testing speed of 60 and 180 deg/s by using a Cybex 770 system. The isokinetic testing measured the muscle strength characteristics, including the ratio of peak torque/body weight (%BW), angle of peak torque and acceleration time (AT). The maximal gait speed and 6 minutes distance (6MD) were measured for the elderly group. In the elderly group, %BW were significantly lower and AT were higher than the young group. In addition, %BW decreased while AT increased in the elderly group. Significant correlations were shown between with AT between age, maximal gait speed and 6MD. In multiple regression analysis with the maximal gait speed or 6MD as dependent variables and age, %BW and AT as independent variables, the maximal gait speed were strongly effected by AT and age, the 6MD was effected by age alone. In conclusion, it is important to consider AT for elderly subjects in isokinetic knee muscle testing.
