title: Age-related changes in hip abductor and adductor joint torques.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To test the hypothesis that older age significantly affects hip abduction and adduction joint torque-time generating capability in women.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional study, wherein subjects were tested in a supported standing position.
  
  
  METHODS
  University human performance laboratory.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seventy-six healthy, adult women (38 young; 38 old).
  
  
  METHODS
  Not applicable.
  
  
  METHODS
  The dependent variables were peak isometric torque and its corresponding torque rate and average peak isokinetic torque. Age group differences were assessed by analysis of variance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Isometric peak torques were significantly lower in older women (P</=.001) for hip abduction (34%) and adduction (24%). Decreases with age were also significant for isometric rates of torque for both muscle groups (P</=.001). Average isokinetic peak torque of hip abduction and adduction showed even greater declines in older women versus the young (P</=.001) with losses of 44% and 56%, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The hip abductor and adductor torques showed relatively marked age-related changes. To enhance balance assessment and treatment, and to reduce the risk of falls and related injuries in older women, greater focus should be placed on understanding the role of joint torque-time changes on frontal plane balance control.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
authors.forename: Marjorie E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: Marie-Laure
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Mille
authors.forename: Kathy M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Martinez
authors.forename: Gwen
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Crombie
authors.forename: Mark W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Rogers
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D019415:Torque