Effect of Leg Muscle Contraction Velocity on Functional Performance in Older Men and Women

Objectives: To explore the relationship between impairment (skeletal muscle strength and contraction velocity) and function in community‐dwelling older adults. Design: Cross‐sectional. Setting: University‐based human physiology laboratory. Participants: One hundred one men and women (aged 75–90). Measurements: Muscle strength and contraction velocity during bilateral leg press (LP) were calculated during one‐repetition maximum (1RM) and 40% 1RM. A short physical performance battery (SPPB) and gait speed (GS) from a 400‐m self‐paced walk assessed function. Sex differences in LP strength and contraction velocity (at 40% 1RM) were assessed. The relationship between these variables and function was also examined. Results: Lower extremity strength and contraction velocity were significantly associated with GS (P=.02 and P=.005, respectively) and SPPB (P