Association of activities of daily living with the load during step ascent motion in nursing home-residing elderly individuals

OBJECTIVEThis study aimed to examine the association of independence in ADL with the loads during step ascent motion and other motor functions in 32 nursing home-residing elderly individuals. DESIGNIndependence in ADL was assessed by using the functional independence measure (FIM). The loads at the upper (i.e., pulling up) and lower (i.e., pushing up) levels during step ascent task was measured on a step ascent platform. Hip extensor, knee extensor, plantar flexor muscle, and quadriceps setting strengths; lower extremity agility using the stepping test; and hip and knee joint pain severities were measured. One-legged stance and functional reach distance for balance, and maximal walking speed, timed up-and-go (TUG) time, five-chair-stand time, and step ascent time were also measured to assess mobility. RESULTSStepwise regression analysis revealed that the load at pushing up during step ascent motion and TUG time were significant and independent determinants of FIM score. FIM score decreased with decreased the load at pushing up and increased TUG time. CONCLUSIONSThe study results suggest that depending on task specificity, both one step up taskʼs push up peak load during step ascent motion and TUG, can partially explain ADLʼs FIM score in the nursing home-residing elderly individuals. Lower extremity muscle strength, agility, pain or balance measures did not add to the prediction.