[Purpose] To test the hypothesis that toe grasping strength is associated with daily
physical activity in older adults. [Subjects] Fifty-seven Japanese women, aged
52–78 years, volunteered. [Methods] Toe grasping and knee extension strength were
measured. Physical activity was also measured, using an accelerometer, and the total
duration of each level of exercise intensity (light, moderate, and vigorous) and average
step counts were calculated. Subjects were separated into two groups on the basis of
accelerometer-determined step counts: LOW (n=28, <8000 steps/day) and HIGH (n=29, ≥8000
steps/day). [Results] Body mass index and body composition (% fat and fat-free mass) were
similar between the two groups. Absolute and relative toe grasping strengths (divided by
body weight) were greater in HIGH than in LOW. However, both absolute and relative knee
extension strength were similar between the groups. Relative toe grasping and knee
extension strength correlated with all 3 intensities of physical activity and average step
count. After adjusting for age, the duration of light plus moderate physical activity and
average step counts correlated to toe grasping strength but not to knee extension
strength. [Conclusion] Our results suggest that toe grasping strength may be associated
with the amount of light intensity daily physical activity.