Effect of leg muscle contraction velocity on functional performance in older men and women.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the relationship between impairment (skeletal muscle strength and contraction velocity) and function in community-dwelling older adults.


METHODS
Cross-sectional.


METHODS
University-based human physiology laboratory.


METHODS
One hundred one men and women (aged 75-90).


METHODS
Muscle strength and contraction velocity during bilateral leg press (LP) were calculated during one-repetition maximum (1RM) and 40% 1RM. A short physical performance battery (SPPB) and gait speed (GS) from a 400-m self-paced walk assessed function. Sex differences in LP strength and contraction velocity (at 40% 1RM) were assessed. The relationship between these variables and function was also examined.


RESULTS
Lower extremity strength and contraction velocity were significantly associated with GS (P=.02 and P=.005, respectively) and SPPB (P<.001 and P=.009, respectively) in men only. Contraction velocity, but not muscle strength, was significantly associated with GS (P<.001) and SPPB (P=.02) in women.


CONCLUSIONS
Sex differences exist in the relationship between impairment (muscle strength and contraction velocity) and function. Older men and women may employ different strategies to achieve success on different functional tasks. These findings may have important implications for clinicians practicing geriatric rehabilitation.
Sayers
Stephen P
SP
Human Physiology Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences, Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. sayerss@missouri.edu
Guralnik
Jack M
JM
Thombs
Lori A
LA
Fielding
Roger A
RA
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D017678:Sex Distribution; D016138:Walking