A novel clinical evaluation method using maximum angular velocity during knee extension to assess lower extremity muscle function of older adults

The purpose of this study is to examine the utilities of maximum angular velocity (AV) assessment during knee extension (KE) using a gyroscope for clinical evaluation of exercise program for older adults. Two hundred and 4 community-dwelling older adults underwent a 3-month exercise intervention program. Outcome measures included AV during KE and other physical functions (isometric strength (IS), walking abilities, and balance functions). A correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the relationships between AV and other physical functions at baseline. The differences of physical functions before and after intervention were evaluated and the effect size of each measurement was calculated after the program. The AV measurement was significantly correlated with IS during KE (r = 0.303, P < 0.01) and other physical functions. Most correlation coefficients of angular velocity were greater than that of IS. All of physical assessments were significantly improved. Also, effect size of AV was greater than that of IS (d = 0.45 vs. 0.42). AV of the lower extremities is useful to evaluate the effects of exercise intervention in the elderly.