title: Maximal step-up height as a simple and relevant health indicator: a study of leg muscle strength and the associations to age, anthropometric variables, aerobic fitness and physical function.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Low muscle strength is related to an increased risk for several chronic diseases. Increased muscle strength improves daily function and quality of life.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To measure maximal step-up height, an assessment of leg strength and function, and its association to age, anthropometric variables, maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂-max) and self-reported physical function before and after a physical activity programme.
  
  
  METHODS
  Female patients (n=178, 22-83 years) with musculoskeletal disorders, metabolic risk factors and other chronic diseases were recruited from primary care. Maximal step-up height (standardised step-up without a kick-off with the floor foot), anthropometric variables, VO₂-max and self-reported physical function (Short Form 36 (SF-36)) were assessed before and after a 3-month group training intervention programme. Associations between maximal step-up height and other variables were examined using univariate and multivariate methods.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At baseline and after intervention, maximal step-up height was negatively correlated to age, waist circumference and body weight and positively correlated to VO₂-max, self-reported physical function and height. Furthermore, maximal step-up height correlated to training intensity at follow-up. Variations in changes in maximal step-up height were significantly explained by changes in waist circumference and physical function, regardless of age and changes in VO₂-max. Maximal step-up height below 24 cm discriminated patients with self-reported severe limitation in physical function.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Maximal step-up height, assessed simply with a standardised step-up test, may function as a relevant indicator of health since it correlated negatively to the metabolic risk factors, waist circumference, body weight and age, and positively to VO₂-max and physical function.
authors: Centre of Family Medicine, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, , Stockholm, Sweden.
authors: Lillemor A
authors: LA
authors: Nyberg
authors: Mai-Lis
authors: ML
authors: Hellénius
authors: Per
authors: P
authors: Wändell
authors: Jan
authors: J
authors: Kowalski
authors: Carl Johan
authors: CJ
authors: Sundberg
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000886:Anthropometry / Q000379:methods; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000379:methods; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Aging; Cardiology Prevention; Exercise Rehabilitation; Intervention Effectiveness; Physical Activity Promotion in Primary Care