• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.415-422
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• 2020

This study investigates the relationship between muscular strengths and gait characteristics of the elderly. Totally, 107 subjects, aged 65 to 85 years, participated in this study. Researchers measured muscle strengths (grip force, toe grip force, gluteus medius, and gluteus maximus forces) and walking characteristics (walking speed, cadence, step length, single leg support, and double legs support). Dynamometers and inertial measurement unit-based shoe systems were used for measuring muscular strength and gait characteristics, respectively. No significant difference was observed in strengths and walking characteristics between the young elders (YE, 65-74 years) and the old elders (OE, 75-85 years). For each age, muscular strength significantly correlated with some gait parameters. Forces of gluteus medius and gluteus maximus muscles showed better significant correlations between some gait parameters for all age groups, as compared to grip force and toe grip force. Regression coefficients between walking speed and grip force did not vary with age. We conclude that muscular strengths in OE better explained the gait characteristics than in YE subjects. Even though grip strength is an easily measured variable for senior fitness test, forces of gluteus medius and gluteus maximus muscles are more meaningful for understanding the walking characteristics of elderly people.