The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
- Volume 20 Issue 1
- /
- Pages.33-40
- /
- 2008
- /
- 1229-0475(pISSN)
- /
- 2287-156X(eISSN)
Correlations between Muscle Strength of the Ankle and Balance and Walking in the Elderly
노인의 균형 및 보행과 족관절 근력과의 상관관계
- Kim, Kun (Hyun Dae Familiy Clinic) ;
- Seo, Sam-Ki (Hyoin Hospital) ;
-
Yoon, Hui-Jong
(Department of Physical Therapy, Mokpo Science College)
;
-
Kim, Tae-Youl
(Department of Physical Therapy, Dongshin University)
;
- Lee, Jeong-Woo (Department of Physical Therapy, Kwangju Women's University)
- Published : 2008.03.25
Abstract
Purpose: This study was designed to investigate the correlations between muscle strength of the ankle and balance, walking in the elderly. Methods: Thirty-nine subjects were selected from a population of female volunteers. Measurement of balance ability included evaluation of timed "up and go", functional reach, and a one leg standing test. Measurement of walking analysis included evaluation of cadence, stride length, step length, and walking speed. Maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the ankle muscle strength was measured by use of a dynamometer. Results: For balance, there were significant negative correlations between timed "up and go" and the MVIC of the ankle dorsiflexor. There were significant positive correlations between one leg standing with the eyes closed and the MVIC of the ankle dorsiflexor. For walking, there were significant positive correlations between cadence, walking speed and the MVIC of the ankle dorsiflexor. Conclusion: This study showed that there were close relationships between muscle strength of the ankle dorsiflexor and walking and balance in the elderly.