Affiliations: [a] Department of Physical Education, São Paulo State
University, Rio Claro, Brazil | [b] Department of Physical Therapy and Occupational
Therapy, São Paulo State University, Marília, Brazil | [c] Department of Kinesiology, University of New
Hampshire, Durham, NH, USA
Note: [] Corresponding author: Mary Hellen Morcelli, Departamento de
Educaçã'o Física, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Avenida 24-A,
1515, Bela Vista, CEP: 13506-900, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil. E-mail:
mary_morcelli@yahoo.com.br
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hip muscles dysfunction may challenge postural
control mechanisms and compromise the individual in imbalance situations. OBJECTIVE: To compare hip muscles strength, power and activation between older
female fallers and non-fallers. METHODS: Forty-four older adult women
(60–85 yr) were divided into two groups based on having falling or not in the
period of one year before evaluation, fallers (n=20) and non-fallers (n=24). Isokinetic
strength and power were assessed during hip flexion, extension,
abduction and adduction movements, while EMG signals were recorded from the
internal oblique (IO), rectus femoris (RF), multifidus (MU), gluteus maximum
(GM), and biceps femoris (BF). RESULTS: Fallers had significantly lower
extension (p=0.033), abduction (p=0.001) and adduction (p=0.002)
strength as well as significantly lower power in hip flexion (p=0.028),
extension (p=0.005) and abduction (p=0.002) compared to
non-fallers. Non-fallers had 27.4% greater activation of RF (p=0.005)
during hip flexion and 37.9% higher coactivation of IO/MU during hip
abduction (p=0.003). Significant linear regression was found between hip
extension strength and GM and BF activation in both groups. CONCLUSION: Hip muscles strength and activation may increase the risk of falling in older women.
