Lower-Limb Muscle Strength and Major Performance Tests in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Aims: To present reference values, clinically significant changes (CSC), and prediction equations of lower-limb muscle strength (LMS) and physical performance (PP) in community-dwelling older adults in a rural area. Methods: Quadriceps muscle and toe grip strength were measured as LMS. Maximal gait speed, Timed-Up and Go test, one-legged stand test, and four-square step test were measured as PP. Overall and age-specific reference values for both sexes were presented. CSC was calculated using a distribution-based approach. We conducted multivariate regression analyses to make prediction equations for each variable. The prediction error was checked using 10-fold cross-validation. Results: Three-hundred ninety-two participants (male, n = 116; female, n = 276) were included. LMS was maintained with age, while PS declined linearly. The prediction equations were significant, but the prediction error was high. Conclusions: Reference values and CSC help evaluate the deterioration of LMS and PP and the effectiveness of an intervention on these outcomes.