Comparison of toe plantar flexors strength and balancing ability between elderly fallers and non-fallers

Abstract

It is essential for elderly individuals to maintain their balance ability through postural control so that they can perform activities of daily living safely. The purposes of this study were to compare the differences in individual toe flexor muscle strength and balancing ability between elderly fallers and non−fallers and to determine the correlation between individual toe flexor muscle strength and the functional reach test (FRT). Thirty community−dwelling older adults (15 fallers and 15 age− and sex−matched non−fallers) between 65 and 83 years of age participated in this study. Individual toe flexor muscle strength was measured using a dynamometer attached a wooden frame consisting of a platform and a vertical board. Balance ability was assessed with the FRT, Berg balance scale, and a sensory organization test (SOT). An independent t−test was used to determine the statistical differences in the toestrengths between the faller and non−faller groups. The Pearson correlation coefficients between toe plantar flexor muscle strengths and the FRT were calculated. The hallux and second toe flexor muscle strengths in the non−faller group were significantly stronger bilaterally than those in the faller group, whereas no significant differences in the third and fourth toe flexor muscle strengths were found. Among the force of the toes, the hallux plantar flexor strength was most correlated with FRT (r =0.77). The non−faller group showed significantly greater balance ability in the FRT and SOT than the faller group.The findings of this study indicate that the force generating capability of medial toe flexors is more closed relationship than later part of toe flexors in the maintenance of balance in older adults. Therefore, the results of this study suggest that the force−generating capability of the hallux and second toe flexor muscle are more highly related to the incidence of falls among elderly individuals.