Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
Document Type
Thesis - NSU Access Only
Title
Relationship of Ankle Plantar Flexor Strength and Step/Stride Length in the Elderly Population
Degree Name
Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)
Copyright Statement
All rights reserved. This publication is intended for use solely by faculty, students, and staff of Nova Southeastern University. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, now known or later developed, including but not limited to photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author or the publisher.
Department
College of Health Care Sciences - Physical Therapy Department
Publication Date / Copyright Date
1998
Publisher
Nova Southeastern University
NSUWorks Citation
Timothy Ahlip. 1998. Relationship of Ankle Plantar Flexor Strength and Step/Stride Length in the Elderly Population. Master's thesis. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, College of Health Care Sciences - Physical Therapy Department. (84)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/hpd_pt_stuetd/84.
Abstract
Purpose: To investigate if a relationship exists between the number of attempted heel rises and the step/stride lengths in the elderly population, using the standing heel rise test as assessment of ankle plantar flexor strength. Also, to investigate what influence other factors such as age, gender, weight, and height have on this relationship.
Subjects: 25 participants (13 females, 12 males) over 65 years of age, with no previously diagnosed impairments that affected their gait.
Methods: Standing heel rise test was the plantar flexor strength assessment. Step/stride lengths were measured using a quantitative gait analysis method, which measured number of steps and stride lengths for a 53ft distance. Pearson's bivariate correlation coefficients calculated for dependent and independent variables.
Results: A strong significant correlation and a positive relationship were found between the amount of heel rises that could be achieved, and the step and stride length. As participants heel rise numbers increased, so did the step and stride lengths. Moderately significant correlations and negative relationships were found between age and heel rise numbers, as well as age and step/stride lengths. As participants' ages increased, their heel rise numbers and step/stride lengths decreased. No significant correlations were found between gender, height, or weight, to heel rise numbers, nor step/stride lengths.
Conclusion: Positive correlations and possible ranges between heel rise numbers and step/stride lengths could help assess risks of falling and lead to additional intervention strategies for the prevention of falls.
Disciplines
Physical Therapy