Muscle Strength and Independence for Older Individuals in Nursing Homes

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of isometric muscle strength of the lower and upper extremities on independence in activities of daily living in older people living in nursing homes. Methods: The study involved 111 voluntary older persons living in 3 nursing homes, who met the inclusion criteria. The sociodemographic characteristics of the participants were recorded. Muscle strength of the shoulder flexors, extensors, abductors, external rotators, elbow flexors and extensors in the upper extremities, and hip flexors, extensors, abductors, knee flexors, and extensors in the lower extremities were evaluated with an isometric dynamometer. The level of independence in the daily living activities of the older persons was assessed with the Functional Independence Measure in this study. Results: A significant difference was determined in the muscle strength of the shoulder and elbow extensor in the right side for both males and females (P < .05). In both genders, a statistically significant relationship was found between functional independence and the muscle strength of the shoulder flexor, extensor, abductor, elbow flexor, hip extensor, and knee flexor in both sides of the extremities (P < .05). Conclusion: The muscle strength values of the upper extremities were more associated with the activity level of daily living than the muscle strength of the lower extremities in older persons. The level of daily living activities was seen to be more affected by the muscle strength values of the older females than the males.