The Relationship between Lower Extremity Strength and Power to Everyday Walking Behaviors in Older Adults with Functional Limitations

PURPOSE: While lower extremity strength and power show a relationship to laboratory measures of walking in older adults, the relationship of strength and power to walking behaviors in a community setting is unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between lower extremity strength, peak power, power at a low relative intensity, and power at a high relative intensity to everyday walking behaviors in older adults. METHODS: Thirty community-dwelling older adults (mean age=77.3+7.0, 25 females, 5 males) took part in the study. Lower extremity strength and power were measured with a pneumatic resistance leg press. An accelerometer activity monitor was used to measure walking behaviors across 6 days with total steps, distance, and walking speed used as outcome measures. RESULTS: Peak power (R2=0.16) was significantly related to total steps. Strength (R2=0.23), peak power (R2=0.44), power at low relative intensity (R2=0.41), and power at high relative intensity (R2=0.34) were significantly related to distance. Strength (R2=0.39), peak power (R2=0.50), power at low relative intensity (R2=0.38), and power at high relative intensity (R2=0.48) were significantly related to walking speed. CONCLUSIONS: Lower extremity strength, peak power, power at a low relative intensity, and power at a high relative intensity are all related to walking behaviors in older adults with peak power having the strongest relationship.