Using a Standing Heel-Rise Test as a Predictor of Ankle Muscle Strength in the Elderly

Abstract

The senior population is at increased risk of falling due to a reduction in ankle muscle strength. Evaluating the strength of the ankle muscles in older adults is of paramount importance. The purpose of this study was to formulate an equation to estimate ankle muscle strength by utilizing the basic physical characteristics of the subject and the variables related to their ability to perform the standing heel-rise test (SHRT). One hundred and thirty-two healthy elderly participants (mean age 67.30 ± 7.60) completed the SHRT and provided demographic information. Ankle plantar flexor (PF) muscle strength was evaluated using a push–pull dynamometer. Multiple regression analysis was utilized to develop a prediction equation for ankle PF muscle strength. The study revealed that the ankle PF strength equation was derived from variables including the power index of the SHRT, gender, age, calf circumference, and single-leg standing balance test. The equation exhibited a strong correlation (r = 0.816) and had a predictive power of 65.3%. The equation is represented as follows: ankle PF strength = 24.31 − 0.20(A) + 8.14(G) + 0.49(CC) + 0.07(SSEO) + 0.20(BW/t-SHRT). The equation had an estimation error of 5.51 kg. The strength of ankle PFs in elderly individuals can be estimated by considering demographic variables, including gender, age, calf circumference, single-leg standing balance test, and the power index of the SHRT. These factors were identified as significant determinants of ankle PF strength in this population.