Quadriceps Strength, Quadriceps Power, and Gait Speed in Older U.S. Adults with Diabetes Mellitus: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2002

Objectives To examine the independent association between diabetes mellitus (and its duration and severity) and quadriceps strength, quadriceps power, and gait speed in a national population of older adults. Design Cross‐sectional nationally representative survey. Setting United States. Participants Two thousand five hundred seventy‐three adults aged 50 and older in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2002 who had assessment of quadriceps strength. Methods Diabetes mellitus was ascertained according to questionnaire. Measurement of isokinetic knee extensor (quadriceps) strength was performed at 60º/s. Gait speed was assessed using a 20‐foot walk test. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to assess the association between diabetes mellitus status and outcomes, adjusting for potential confounders or mediators. Results Older U.S. adults with diabetes mellitus had significantly slower gait speed (0.96 ± 0.02 m/s) than those without (1.08 ± 0.01 m/s; P