A Sensitive and Practical Evaluation to Detect Lower-Limb Strength Changes in Geriatrics: The Isometric Knee Extension Test

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the sensitivity of the isometric knee extension (IKE) test to detect changes in the lower-limb strength of institutionalized older adults after exercise and inactivity periods. Thirty-four and fifteen institutionalized older adults completed the training and inactive periods, respectively. At each time point, the participants completed two testing sessions. In the first session, they performed the IKE test. As a complement to this evaluation, the second testing session was used to assess their functional capacity and handgrip strength. The sensitivity of the IKE test was examined by comparing the changes generated in this test against the repeatability of the protocol. A 4-week multicomponent Vivifrail program was implemented. After that, a subsample of the participants was re-evaluated after a 14-week inactivity period. Significant changes (p < 0.01; ES ≥ 0.27) in the IKE strength for both the dominant (+0.27 N/kg) and non-dominant legs (+0.25 N/kg) were produced after the training intervention. Likewise, significant decrements (p < 0.01; ES ≥ 0.31) were detected after the inactive period for the dominant (−0.29 N/kg) and non-dominant legs (−0.32 N/kg). All mean changes were found to be superior to the variability threshold of the IKE test for both legs, with superior sensitivity for the non-dominant leg (≥73%). Thus, the IKE test is a sensitive and practical tool for detecting changes in the lower-limb strength of institutionalized older adults after exercise and inactivity periods. Because of its applicability, it seems pertinent to implement the IKE test in a geriatric context.