Comparison of toe pressure strength in the standing position and toe grip strength in association with the presence of assistance in standing up: a cross-sectional study in community-dwelling older adults

• Published in: European geriatric medicine 2023-06, Vol.14 (3), p.429-438
• Main Authors: Kamasaki, Taishiro, Tabira, Takayuki, Hachiya, Mizuki, Tanaka, Shinichi, Kitajima, Takahiro, Ochishi, Kohei, Shimokihara, Suguru, Maruta, Michio, Han, Gwanghee, Otao, Hiroshi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Geriatrics/Gerontology; Hand Strength; Humans; Independent Living; Internal Medicine; Male; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Research Paper; Standing Position; Toes
• ISSN: 1878-7649; 1878-7657; 1878-7657
• DOI: 10.1007/s41999-023-00776-z

Key summary points Aim The aim of this study was to examine the association between toe pressure strength in the standing position and the presence of assistance during standing up in the older adults. Findings The results showed that even a strong toe grip strength may not contribute to “no” assistance in standing up. On the other hand, stronger toe pressure strength in the standing position may contribute to “no” assistance in standing up. Message Toe pressure strength in the standing position may be one of the important functions among those associated with standing up. In addition, this study offers the possibility of contributing to the rehabilitation of older adults who need to improve their ability to stand up without assistance. Purpose We believe that toe pressure strength in the standing position, which is closer to the actual movement, is more associated with standing up in the older adults than the conventional toe grip strength. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the association between toe pressure strength in the standing position and the presence of assistance in standing up in the older adults. Methods Ninety-five community-dwelling older adults (82 ± 8 years old, 72% female) were included in this study. The patients were evaluated based on their need for assistance in standing up. Physical functions, including toe pressure strength in the standing position, toe grip strength, hand grip strength, knee extension strength, one-leg standing time with eyes open, and maximal walking speed, were measured. Results When compared with and without assistance to stand up, the group requiring assistance had weaker toe pressure strength in the standing position than the group without assistance ( p  = 0.015, ES = 0.53). After adjusting for confounding factors, the final model revealed that toe pressure strength in the standing position was associated with the use of assistance in standing up (odds ratio 0.94 [0.88–0.99, p  = 0.025]). Conclusion Toe pressure strength in the standing position was associated with the use of assistance in standing up in older adults. Improving toe pressure strength in the standing position may facilitate the ability of older adults to stand up.