Bilateral torque asymmetry analysis of lower limbs of active and insufficiently active older adults

Abstract

BACKGROUND:Physical activity is an important tool for positively impacting physical, cognitive, and social aspects and is linked to the capacity to develop muscle strength and power. However, no studies have observed the effects of physical activity on the bilateral torque asymmetry at different movement velocities in older adults.

AIM:Investigate the effects of different angular velocities on bilateral torque asymmetry for hip, knee, and ankle joints in active and insufficiently active older adults.

METHOD:Forty-four older adults were distributed into two groups: active and insufficiently active. An isokinetic dynamometer was used. The tests consisted of maximal concentric contractions of hip, knee, and ankle flexors and extensors at velocities of 60º/s and 120º/s. The variables were asymmetry of peak torque and of mean power.

RESULTS:Results showed greater asymmetry in hip extension and ankle flexion for peak torque and mean power, as well as increased asymmetry in flexion movement at the higher angular velocity compared with the lower angular velocity for the mean power. Furthermore, there were no differences in asymmetry between groups.

CONCLUSION:The conclusion of the present study was that older adults showed similar behavior for bilateral torque asymmetry, regardless of the level of physical activity.