Increased muscle strength improves managing in activities of daily living in fall-prone community-dwelling older women.

Background And Aims: The aim of this longitudinal study was to describe whether an increase in knee extension strength is associated with improvements in managing in activities of daily living (ADL) and in self-perceived physical condition in fall-prone community-dwelling older women.

Methods: Subjects (n=417) aged ≥ 65 years belonged either to intervention or control groups in a 12-month randomized controlled fall prevention trial. Isometric muscle strength of knee extension was measured with an adjustable dynamometer chair. Managing in activities of daily living was measured with structured questions about abilities to climb stairs, walk at least 400 meters, toilet, bath, go to the sauna, do light or heavy housework, and carry heavy loads. A question of self-perceived physical condition was also asked.

Results: Positive associations were found between increased knee extension strength and an increase in walking at least 400 meters (p<0.001), carrying heavy loads (p=0.004), and climbing stairs (p=0.007), and in self perceived physical condition (p=0.005) over a 12- month follow-up. In addition, low age, non-use of a walking aid, low number of prescribed medications, and good functional balance at baseline were associated with an increase in performance of these ADL functions.

Conclusions: An increase in knee extension strength during the 12-month follow-up was associated with improvement in some ADL functions and improvement in self-perceived physical condition during the same period in fall-prone community-dwelling women.