Hip muscle and hand-grip strength to differentiate between older fallers and non-fallers: a cross-sectional validity study

Simone C. Gafner*, Caroline H. Bastiaenen, Serge Ferrari, Gabriel Gold, Philippe Terrier, Roger Hilfiker, Lara Allet

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Background: Hip muscle weakness in older people seems to be an influencing factor of falls. Currently, it is unclear which muscles out of the hip muscle group play an important role in older people. A validating process in the measurement regarding muscle strength related to falls is necessary before answering that question. Objective: Firstly, we aimed to investigate which hip muscle group strength shows an acceptable level of distinction between older adult fallers and non-fallers compared to a predefined external criterion regarding falling. Secondly, we aimed to compare the same outcomes and questions for hand-grip strength in relation to the same external criterion. Design: This study was a cross-sectional validity study. Methods: The maximum voluntary isometric strength (MVIS) and the rate of force generation of hip abductors (ABD), adductors, internal and external rotators, extensors, and flexors were measured with a dynamometer fixed to a custom-made frame as well as hand-grip strength with a Martin Vigorimeter in 60 older people aged over 65 years (38 females and 22 males). Results: The area under the curve (AUC) and the results of the mean decrease in Gini index assessed by random forest approach show that of all the assessed parameters, hip ABD MVIS showed the highest discriminative value regarding the chosen external criterion in older people (AUC ABD MVIS 0.825, 95% confidence interval: 0.712-0.938). Conclusion: Results indicate that ABD MVIS is a useful measure to distinguish between older adult fallers and non-fallers regarding the chosen external criterion.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-8
Number of pages8
JournalClinical Interventions in Aging
Volume13
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2018

Keywords

  • hip muscle strength
  • accidental falls
  • older adults
  • hand-grip strength
  • measurement study
  • OPERATING CHARACTERISTIC ANALYSIS
  • RISK-FACTORS
  • ADULTS
  • TORQUE
  • POLYNEUROPATHY
  • IDENTIFICATION
  • DYNAMOMETRY
  • POPULATION
  • HEALTHY
  • BALANCE

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Hip muscle and hand-grip strength to differentiate between older fallers and non-fallers: a cross-sectional validity study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this