Gender-related differences in physical performance among seniors.
This study examined gender differences in balance, gait, and muscle performance in seniors and identified gender-specific factors contributing to physical performance. Forty (20 men, 20 women) healthy, community-dwelling seniors (74.5 +/- 5.3 years) participated. Limits of stability, gait speed, lower limb flexor and extensor isokinetic concentric peak torques, self-reported activity level, and balance confidence were measured. No gender differences were detected in gait speed, limits of stability when normalized to height, activity level, or balance confidence (p = .188). Women were weaker than men (p = .007), even after controlling for weight and body-mass index, suggesting that other gender-related factors contribute to strength. Gender accounted for 18-46% of the variance in strength and served as a modifier of the relationship between activity level and strength in some muscle groups. The primary factors relating to gender-specific strength was activity level in men and body weight in women.
Musselman
Kristin
K
School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queens University Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 3N.
Brouwer
Brenda
B
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000886:Anthropometry; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D019415:Torque