The Relationship between Balance, Walking Speed and Knee Extension Muscle Strength in Well-functioning Older Adults

Aging is associated with increased balance instability, decreased mobility, gait speed, and muscle strength. In fact muscle strength, within sarcopenia context, is considered a major determinant of mobility decline. Therefore we investigated the independent and joint contributions of balance (static, dynamic and postural sway using force platform technique) and walking speed, on KE strength in older adults. Potential confounding variables were also included, namely DXA-derived body fat mass, objectively measured physical activity, age, and gender. Data highlight that in well-functioning older adults, walking speed is more important for knee extension strength prediction than balance control/instability.