Relationship between configuration of the thigh and motor function in elderly females

Abstract

Purpose: We measured the circumference of the thigh and thickness of the quadriceps femoris of elderly females, and investigated their relationships with quadriceps femoris strength and walking and balance abilities. Subjects: The subjects were 56 community-dwelling elderly females: average age, 71.6 + 6.5. Method: We measured the circumference of the thigh at 10, 15 and 20 cm above the patella and the quadriceps femoris thickness, and investigated their relationships with quadriceps femoris strength, walking speed and the timed up-and-go test (TUG) using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results: Significant relationships were found between all of the values of thigh circumference and quadriceps femoris thickness and quadriceps femoris strength, and the muscle thicknesses at 15 and 20 cm above the patella had high correlation coefficients. Furthermore, significant correlations with TUG and walking speed were found only for muscle thicknesses at 15 and 20 cm above the patella. Conclusion: The results suggest that quadriceps femoris thickness at 15 and 20 cm above the patella will be a useful index, reflecting not only the muscle strength but also walking and balance abilities.