The Research Ethics Committee of Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University (BBS-PT)

Biomechanical Determinants of Functional Balance in Older Women: Role of Hip and Knee Isokinetic Peak Torques

Postural stability is a key determinant of functional independence in elderly populations, particularly among women due to age-related declines in muscle strength and balance. Despite recognition of the lower limb musculature's importance in balance, the specific contributions of individual hip and knee muscles to postural control remain insufficiently characterized. Therefore, the main aims of this research were to examine correlations among all major hip and knee muscles and functional balance, as measured by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), in elderly women in addition to identifying which hip and knee muscles serve as independent predictors of functional balance via multiple regression analysis.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Older Women
• Intervention / Treatment: Diagnostic test: examine correlations among all major hip and knee musles in elderly women in addition to identifying which hip and knee muscles serve as independent predictors of functional balance via

Detailed Description

Postural stability is a key determinant of functional independence in elderly populations, particularly among women due to age-related declines in muscle strength and balance. Despite recognition of the lower limb musculature's importance in balance, the specific contributions of individual hip and knee muscles to postural control remain insufficiently characterized. Therefore, the main aims of this research were to examine correlations among all major hip and knee muscles and functional balance, as measured by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), in elderly women in addition to identifying which hip and knee muscles serve as independent predictors of functional balance via multiple regression analysis. A cross-sectional observational design was employed on 130 older women. Peak torque (PT) of hip and knee muscles were measured by Biodex Isokinetic Dynamometer. Balance was measured using Berg Balance Scale (BBS) scale.

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Actual): 130

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Egypt
  • Giza, Egypt, 12511
    • Faculty of physical therapy, Cairo University

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult; Older Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

a total of 130 participants will be required to participate in the study taking into consideration 10% drop out. This study will recruit approximately 60-75 community-dwelling older women aged 60 years or older who are able to walk independently without the need for assistive devices. Participants will be required to have sufficient cognitive function to understand instructions and complete the assessments, and they must be willing to provide informed consent prior to participation. Demographic information including age, body mass index (BMI), and physical activity level will be collected to describe the sample and to serve as potential covariates in the statistical analyses.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

female gender, age ≥ 60 years independent ambulation adequate cognitive ability.

Exclusion Criteria:

a history of neurological disorders affecting balance (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's disease), severe musculoskeletal impairments of the lower limbs (e.g., recent fractures, advanced osteoarthritis, hip or knee replacement) current participation in structured lower limb strength training programs any medical condition contraindicating maximal isokinetic testing (e.g., uncontrolled hypertension or cardiovascular disease).

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Berg balance scale (BBS) scores	balance measured by BBS	one month
peak torques of hip flexors, extensors, abductors and adductors	isokinetic peak torques of hip flexors, extensors, abductors and adductors	one month
peak torques of knee flexors and extensors	isokinetic peak torques of knee flexors and extensors	one month

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Cairo University
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Azza M Abdelmohsen, professor, Cairo University

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): September 10, 2020
• Primary Completion (Actual): November 25, 2020
• Study Completion (Actual): November 28, 2020

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: March 27, 2026
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: March 27, 2026
• First Posted (Actual): April 2, 2026

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): April 13, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: April 7, 2026
• Last Verified: April 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Postural stability; isokinetic; elderly women
• Other Study ID Numbers: research ethics committe

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No