Association Between Asymmetry in Knee Extension Strength and Balance in a Community-Dwelling Elderly Population: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Jinmann Chon, Hee-Sang Kim, Jong Ha Lee, Seung Don Yoo, Dong Hwan Yun, Dong Hwan Kim, Seung Ah Lee, Yoo Jin Han, Yunsoo Soh, Yong Kim, Young Rok Han, Chang Won Won, Seonyoung Han, Jinmann Chon, Hee-Sang Kim, Jong Ha Lee, Seung Don Yoo, Dong Hwan Yun, Dong Hwan Kim, Seung Ah Lee, Yoo Jin Han, Yunsoo Soh, Yong Kim, Young Rok Han, Chang Won Won, Seonyoung Han

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the association between balance function and asymmetry of knee extension strength in an elderly Korean population.

Methods: The strength of the knee extensors in each leg was measured in 306 community-dwelling elderly subjects (age, 76.70±4.85 years) and 25 young healthy subjects (age, 34.23±8.93 years). Based on the difference in strength of both legs, the elderly subjects were divided into symmetric (n=128) and asymmetric (n=178) strength groups using an asymmetry cutoff 20%. We determined the postural control ability of the subjects using InBody posturography, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go test (TUG) and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). The sway index (SI) of the subjects in four positions was assessed using posturography.

Results: The group with asymmetric strength presented a significantly higher SI than the group with symmetric strength, in the normal position with eyes open and eyes open on pillows. In the normal position with the eyes closed and in postures with the eyes closed on pillows, the statistical analysis revealed no significant differences between the two groups. The three tests for physical performance (BBS, TUG, and SPPB) show no statistically significant difference between the two groups.

Conclusion: The asymmetric strength group showed a significantly lower balance than the group with symmetric strength based on several posturographic parameters. Ambulatory elderly individuals with asymmetry in knee extension strength, showed deficits in balance control even in normal clinical tests.

Keywords: Accidental falls; Elderly; Postural asymmetry factor; Postural balance.

Conflict of interest statement

CONFLICT OF INTEREST: No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Figures

Fig. 1. Posturography and posture settings. (A)…
Fig. 1. Posturography and posture settings. (A) The force plate of the InBody posturography is composed of four plates, and each force plate measures the perpendicular pressure of the anterior and posterior feet. (B) The subjects removed their shoes, placed their feet on the plates, and stood in a comfortable position.

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