Associations between Lower-Limb Motor Coordination, Muscle Strength, and Fall Risk in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract
Objective: This study investigated the associations between lower-limb motor coordination, assessed using the Foot Tapping Test (FTT) and Four Square Step Test (FSST), and muscle strength, measured by the Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST), with functional performance and fall risk classification in community-dwelling older adults.
Material and Methods: A total of 200 community-dwelling adults aged 60 years and older were recruited. Fall risk was evaluated using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test as the primary outcome measure. Participants were assessed for lower-limb motor coordination using the FTT and FSST, and for muscle strength using the FTSST. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent contributions of coordination and strength measures (FTT, FSST, and FTSST) to the classification of high fall risk.
Results: Two models were analysed. Model 1 included the FTT and FTSST, while Model 2 included the FSST and FTSST. In Model 1, the FTT showed an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 0.803 (95% CI: 0.720–0.896), and the FTSST had an AOR of 1.702 (95% CI: 1.322–2.191). In Model 2, the FSST showed an AOR of 1.455 (95% CI: 1.197–1.770), and the FTSST had an AOR of 1.546 (95% CI: 1.195–2.001). All findings were statistically significant (p-value<0.001).
Conclusion: These findings suggest that the coordination and strength of lower extremity muscles are associated with fall risk in older adults and may help indicate or reflect the likelihood of mobility impairment related to falling.
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