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    Relationship between age and measures of balance, strength and gait: Linear and non-linear analyses

    Access Status
    Open access via publisher
    Authors
    El Haber, N.
    Erbas, B.
    Hill, Keith
    Wark, J.
    Date
    2008
    Type
    Journal Article
    
    Metadata
    Show full item record
    Citation
    El Haber, N. and Erbas, B. and Hill, K. and Wark, J. 2008. Relationship between age and measures of balance, strength and gait: Linear and non-linear analyses. Clinical science (London, England : 1979). 114 (11-12): pp. 719-727.
    Source Title
    Clinical science (London, England : 1979)
    DOI
    10.1042/CS20070301
    ISSN
    0143-5221
    School
    School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science
    URI
    http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/6612
    Collection
    • Curtin Research Publications
    Abstract

    An age-related decline in balance, gait and lower-extremity muscle strength measures may lead to increased risk of falls and fractures. Previous studies have reported a possible non-linear age-related decline in these measures, but the choice of methodological approach has limited its interpretation. Healthy community-dwelling women (n = 212) 21-82 years of age were evaluated for strength [Nicholas MMT (manual muscle tester)], gait [CSA (clinical stride analyser)], activity [HAP (human activity profile)] and static and dynamic balance [CBS (Chattecx balance system), LBT (Lord's balance test) and the ST (step test)]. A GAM (generalized additive model) was developed for each outcome variable to estimate the functional relationship, with age as a continuous variable. Performance was maintained until 45-55 years of age, depending on the outcome measure. Thereafter a decline in performance was evident with increasing age in all measures. Overall, a significant non-linear relationship with age was demonstrated for lower-extremity strength measures (MMT), velocity and double support duration of gait (CSA) and some clinical and laboratory balance tests [ST, LBT (eyes open) and the CBS]. Linear relationships were demonstrated by the LBT with eyes closed and activity measures. Balance, lower-extremity muscle strength and gait may decline non-linearly with age. Our study suggests possible threshold effects between age and balance, muscle strength and gait measures in women. Further research into these threshold effects may have implications for the optimal timing of exercise and other interventions to reduce the risk of falls and fractures. © The Authors.

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