Association of Muscle Mass, Muscle Strength, and Muscle Function with Gait Ability Assessed Using Inertial Measurement Unit Sensors in Older Women

Abstract

Aging-related muscle atrophy is associated with decreased muscle mass (MM), muscle strength (MS), and muscle function (MF) and may cause motor control, balance, and gait pattern impairments. This study determined associations of three speed-based gait variables with loss of MM, MS, and MF in older women. Overall, 432 older women aged ≥65 performed appendicular skeletal muscle, handgrip strength, and five times sit-to-stand test to evaluate MM, MS, and MF. A gait test was performed at three speeds by modifying the preferred walking speed (PWS; slower walking speed (SWS); faster-walking speed (FWS)) on a straight 19 m walkway. Stride length (SL) at PWS was significantly associated with MM. FWS and coefficient of variance (CV) of double support phase (DSP) and DSP at PWS showed significant associations with MS. CV of step time and stride time at SWS, FWS, and single support phase (SSP) at PWS showed significant associations with MF. SL at PWS, DSP at FWS, CV of DSP at PWS, stride time at SWS, and CV of SSP at PWS showed significant associations with composite MM, MS, and MF variables. Our study indicated that gait tasks under continuous and various speed conditions are useful for evaluating MM, MS, and MF.

Association of Handgrip Strength with Hip Fracture and Falls in Community‐dwelling Middle‐aged and Older Adults: A 4‐Year Longitudinal Study

“…The observed dose–response relationship between HGS and reduced hip fracture risk underscores its potential protective effect. HGS serves as a marker of overall muscle strength crucial for maintaining balance and preventing falls 25,26 . Stronger muscles can absorb more force during a fall, reducing the risk of injury.…”

“…HGS serves as a marker of overall muscle strength crucial for maintaining balance and preventing falls. 25 , 26 Stronger muscles can absorb more force during a fall, reducing the risk of injury. Additionally, HGS may signify overall health status, as diminished physical function often correlates with heightened risk of falls and fractures.…”

The Influence of Knee Extensor and Ankle Plantar Flexor Strength on Single-Leg Standing Balance in Older Women

“…The pathophysiology of sarcopenia is complex and multifactorial, involving a combination of intrinsic factors such as changes in hormonal and metabolic regulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation [ 10 ], as well as extrinsic factors such as physical inactivity, poor nutrition, and chronic diseases [ 11 ]. The decline in muscle mass, strength, and power associated with sarcopenia can result in impaired postural stability, decreased gait speed, and reduced ability to perform activities of daily living [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ]. In addition, sarcopenia can also affect the sensory and motor systems involved in maintaining balance, such as changes in proprioception and reaction time [ 15 ], further exacerbating the risk of falls.…”

Effects of age, body height, body weight, body mass index and handgrip strength on the trajectory of the plantar pressure stance-phase curve of the gait cycle

“…Muscle power is likely to influence the stance phase curve, i.e., via more forceful movements and a stronger or weaker push-off ( Kim et al, 2022 ). Maximal voluntary contraction measurements of the legs due to risks of re-injury and worsening are problematic in patients with injuries or degenerative conditions of the lower extremities.…”

“…Low handgrip strength and gait speed are associated with cardiovascular mortality and markers of neurodegeneration ( Chainani et al, 2016 ; Jacob et al, 2022 ). It is known that stride length at preferred walking speed correlates positively with muscle mass, and the variance in the double support phase correlates with muscle strength ( Kim et al, 2022 ).…”