Normative Value of Strength on Lower Extremity among Geriatic Population Using Dynamometer: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

The extent of muscle deterioration associated with aging, injury or disease can be gauged with reference to appropriate normative data. Muscle weakness is a predictor for falls, falls-related hospitalization, fractures and comorbidities. Objective: The aim of this study was to find the normative value of strength on lower extremity among geriatric population using dynamometer. Methods: In this cross-sectional study 104 older adults participated. Data was collected using Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) and strength assessment was performed using hand-held dynamometer and concentric and eccentric strength of hamstring and quadriceps was measured bilaterally at 4m/s and 5m/s. Results: Out of 104 participants the mean age is 73.95±6.699 SD, 25%(26) were females and 75%(78) were males, mean weight is 62.85±6.537 SD. Out of 104 participants mean strength value of hamstring is 33.5538±7.67003 SD, mean strength value of hamstring of (NDL) is 29.0404±6.84759 SD and mean strength value of quadriceps of (1) is 47.4952 ±10.55234 SD and quadriceps of (NDL) is 43.0971±10.9930 SD. The mean of strength value of dominant leg is 40.2413± 8.74115 SD and mean of strength value of non-dominant leg is 36.0918± 8.3628 SD and the mean of different between strength value of dominant leg (1) and non-dominant leg (NDL) is 4.3837±1.80584 SD. Overall the T score value shows significant result because the p value was 0.000 which is < 0.05. And out of 104 participants the mean score of LEFS is 37.5577±8.65277 SD, whereas the maximum is 54 and minimum is 20 and chi-square test between age and LEFS shows significant results. Conclusion: This study has provided the strength values of lower extremity i.e. hamstring and quadriceps of dominant and non-dominant leg among geriatric population.