Impact of lower limb muscle strength on walking function beyond aging and diabetes

Abstract

Objective This study was performed to investigate the influence of lower limb muscle strength on the walking function of advanced-age patients with diabetes. Methods In this cross-sectional descriptive study, data were collected from 202 advanced-age patients with diabetes. All patients completed questionnaires, the one-leg stance test, the timed up-and-go test, the 30-s sit-to-stand test, and plantar pressure platform measurements. The patients were divided in two groups according to their lower limb muscle strength: those with declining muscle strength and those with normal muscle strength. Results Walking function was significantly abnormal in the patients with declining lower limb muscle strength. The gait trajectories were abnormal, mainly with respect to a shortage of driving force. Conclusion The lower limb muscle strength can affect the static balance and dynamic balance in advanced-age patients with declining lower limb muscle strength.