Sensitivity of sensor-based sit-to-stand peak power to the effects of training leg strength, leg power and balance in older adults

Abstract

Increasing leg strength, leg power and overall balance can improve mobility and reduce fall risk. Sensor-based assessment of peak power during the sit-to-stand (STS) transfer may be useful for detecting changes in mobility and fall risk. Therefore, this study investigated whether sensor-based STS peak power and related measures are sensitive to the effects of increasing leg strength, leg power and overall balance in older adults. A further aim was to compare sensitivity between sensor-based STS measures and standard clinical measures of leg strength, leg power, balance, mobility and fall risk, following an exercise-based intervention. To achieve these aims, 26 older adults (age: 70-84 years) participated in an eight-week exercise program aimed at improving leg strength, leg power and balance. Before and after the intervention, performance on normal and fast STS transfers was evaluated with a hybrid motion sensor worn on the hip. In addition, standard clinical tests (isometric quadriceps strength, Timed Up and Go test, Berg Balance Scale) were performed. Standard clinical tests as well as sensor-based measures of peak power, maximal velocity and duration of normal and fast STS showed significant improvements. Sensor-based measurement of peak power, maximal velocity and duration of normal STS demonstrated a higher sensitivity (absolute standardized response mean (SRM): ≥ 0.69) to the effects of training leg strength, leg power and balance than standard clinical measures (absolute SRM: ≤ 0.61). Therefore, the presented sensor-based method appears to be useful for detecting changes in mobility and fall risk.

Characterization of Vertical Accelerations Experienced by Older People Attending an Aerobics Class Designed to Produce High Impacts

“…A decrease in rate of force development has been reported to be an important contributor to declining muscle function in older men (Thompson, Ryan, Sobolewski, Conchola, & Cramer, 2013) and a risk factor for falls in older women (Crozara et al, 2013). Although few previous studies have examined accelerometerderived measures of jerk, in one recent study maximum jerk was found to show expected improvements in response to training during a sit-to-stand activity in older people (Regterschot et al, 2014). Since rate of force development appears to be related to the ability to execute movements such as sit to stand, we reasoned that maximum jerk as measured during the aerobics class may be related to chair rise time.…”

Effect of Aging on Feasibility and Contribution of Joint Mechanisms in Balanced Standing Using Biomechanical Modeling

“…By measuring elbow and knee torque, Frontera et al (1991) reported that muscle strength in elders is 27% lower than the adults [15]. Decrease in muscle strength, on the other hand, induced loss of postural balance and control [16][17][18][19].…”

Composite variable of lower extremity muscle strength and balance ability for evaluating risks of mobility limitation and falls in community-dwelling older adults

“…Slight changes in physical function are difficult to measure in a timed performance 25) . Conversely, a sensor-based test can accurately measure changes in physical function 26) . For these reasons, a sensor-based test may be a more sensitive evaluation method and have a stronger predictive capability than the five-times STS test.…”