RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ANKLE MUSCLES STRENGTH AND BALANCE IN OLDER ADULTS

Background: The ankle joint is essential for weight-bearing, lower limb movement, and balance control. Ankle muscle strength is crucial for maintaining stability and preventing falls in older adults, whose risk of falls increases with age due to muscle weakening and other factors.

Objective: This study aimed to find the relationship between ankle muscle strength and balance in older adults.

Method: An observational study was conducted in a community setting with 71 participants aged 60 and above. Ankle muscle strength was assessed using a spring tensiometer, and balance was evaluated using the Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA).

Results: The study found slight asymmetries in ankle muscle strength between the right and left limbs.  Stronger dorsiflexors showed a moderate positive relationship with better balance and mobility performance.  While stronger right plantar flexors also correlated with better balance, the left plantar flexors showed no significant relationship.  Ankle invertor strength had a limited influence on balance.  Stronger left ankle evertors contributed to improved balance.

Conclusion: Ankle muscle strength, particularly of the dorsiflexors and evertors, is important for maintaining mobility and balance in older adults.  The study suggests that targeted strength-training programs may help improve ankle muscle function, enhance balance and mobility, and reduce the risk of falls in this population.

Keywords: Ankle muscle strength, balance, older adults, Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment, falls, dorsiflexors, evertors.