Quadriceps muscle strength is a discriminant predictor of dependence in daily activities in nursing home residents

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to explore the relationship between dependence in Activities of Daily Living and muscle strength, muscle morphology and physical function in older nursing home residents, taking possible confounders into consideration. Methods A total of 30 nursing home residents (age, 85.6±7.1 years) were included in this observational cross-sectional study. Performance of basic Activities of Daily Living (ADL) was assessed with the Resident Assessment Instrument and categorized as either independent or dependent. Isometric grip, quadriceps and elbow-flexor strength were determined by hand-dynamometry, muscle thickness and echo intensity by B-mode ultrasonography, a sitto-stand task by using a stop watch and physical activity by the German-Physical-Activity Questionnaire. Degree of frailty was evaluated according to Fried's frailty criteria, whereas cognition, depression, incontinence, pain and falls were part of the Resident Assessment Instrument. Results Dependence in Activities of Daily Living was negatively correlated with physical activity (rs =-0.44, p =.015), handgrip (rs =-0.38, p =.038), elbow-flexor (rs =-0.42, p =.032) and quadriceps strength (rs =-0.67, p