The Relationship Between Knee Extension Strength and Lower Extremity Functions in Nursing Home Residents With Dementia
By Suzuki, Makoto; Kirimoto, Hikari; Inamura, Atsushi; Yagi, Maiko; Omori, Yoshitsugo; Yamada, Sumio; Disability and Rehabilitation, Volume 34, Number 3-4, pages 202-209Publication Date: February 2012
Study was designed to assess the relationships between knee extension strength and lower extremity function in older persons with dementia and to predict lower extremity function by knee extension strength. Participants were 54 nursing home residents with dementia with a mean age of 87 years, 41 of whom were female. Outcome measures used were the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Dementia Behavior Disturbance Scale (DBDS), and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) of lower extremity functions. Knee extensor strength was measured using a handheld dynamometer. To predict lower extremity function, participants were classified into two groups: those who could dress their lower body; perform toileting tasks; transfer to bed, toilet, and shower; and walk independently and those who required assistance with these activities. Knee extension strength was compared between these two groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that the strength of the knee extensor muscles was a significant predictor of gait performance as well as the ability to dress the lower body, use the toilet, and transfer from bed, toilet, and shower. The curve of the negative and positive predictive values indicated that a cutoff score of 0.8 nanometers per kilogram (nM/kg) would provide the best balance for dressing the lower body and toileting; 1.2 nM/kg for transfers; and 0.6 nM/Kg for gait performance. Study limitations and implications for future research are discussed.
Assistive Products Discussed: FIM SYSTEM
Published by: Taylor & Francis, Limited (Website:http://taylorandfrancis.org)
International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (Web Site: http://www.isprm.org )
