Decrease in grip and knee extension strength with age in American women

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Bohannon, Richard W.

Affiliations: Department of Physical Therapy, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Campbell University, Tracy F. Smith Hall, Room 216A, 4150 US 421 South, Lillington, NC 27546, USA | E-mail: rbohannonpt@gmail.com

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare decreases in grip and knee extension strength accompanying aging. METHOD: Eighty-five community-dwelling women (20 to 79 years of age) participating in the validation phase of the NIH Toolbox for the Assessment of Neurological and Behavioral Function contributed data to this study. Their strength was measured bilaterally-grip with a hand dynamometer and isometric knee extension with an isokinetic dynamometer. Grip and knee extension strength measures of the left and right sides were combined and analyzed. RESULTS: Both combined grip strength and combined knee extension strength decreased with age. The decreases were significant between the 60–79 year age group and the 20–39 year age group. Strength of the 60–79 year age group, described as a percentage of the 20–39 year age group, was significantly less for knee extension than for grip. CONCLUSION: Grip strength declines less than knee extension strength with age. Grip strength, therefore, may not fully capture the effect of age on muscle strength.

Keywords: Hand, knee, muscle, strength, dynamometer

DOI: 10.3233/IES-171157

Journal: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 25, no. 4, pp. 259-261, 2017