The relationship of force output characteristics during a sit-to-stand movement with lower limb muscle mass and knee joint extension in the elderly

Abstract

This study examined the reliability of ground reaction force (GRF) parameters during sit-to-stand (STS) movements and the relationships between the GRF parameters and lower limb muscle mass and knee extension muscle strength. Fifty elderly females performed an STS movement twice from a chair adjusted to their knee height and the GRF, lower limb muscle mass and isometric knee extension muscle strength were measured. Reliabilities of GRF parameters were high (intra-class correlation coefficient=ICC=0.70-0.95). Parameters on force output during trunk flexion phase (ground reaction force at hip-lift off, sum of force output between beginning of STS movement and hip-lift off) differed significantly between trials, but their effect sizes were small (0.15-0.23). GRF parameters during hip-lift off and knee-hip joint extension phases significantly correlated with knee extension strength (|r|=0.29-0.64) but not lower limb muscle mass. In conclusion, the reliability of GRF during STS movement is good in hip-lift off and knee-hip joint extension phases and these phases relate significantly with lower limb muscle function. These two phases are useful for evaluation of leg muscle function of the elderly.