Accuracy of the step test to evaluate lower limb muscle strength in community-dwelling older women

• Published in: Journal of bodywork and movement therapies Vol. 25; pp. 133 - 139
• Main Authors: Porto, Jaqueline Mello, Freire Júnior, Renato Campos, Cangussu-Oliveira, Luciana Mendes, Leitner, Erika, Freitas, Lara Gonçalves, Medeiros de Oliveira, Bruna Garcia, Tofani, Patrícia Silva, Abreu, Daniela Cristina Carvalho de
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Ltd 01-01-2021
• Subjects: Aging; Muscle weakness; Peak torque; Posttest probability; Rehabilitation; Aging; Posttest probability; Muscle weakness; Peak torque; Rehabilitation
• ISSN: 1360-8592; 1532-9283
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2020.10.009

to investigate the accuracy of the step test (ST) to evaluate total lower limb muscle strength (LLMS) in older women.
observational cross-sectional study.
119 community-dwelling older women were submitted to the ST and LLMS evaluation (isometric peak torque of eight muscle groups of the dominant lower limb). The capacity of the ST to discriminate older women with reduced LLMS was measured using ROC curve, followed by the posttest probability (PoTP) calculation.
a ST score of 0.24 cm per cm of participant's height presents a sensitivity of 63.3%, specificity of 77%; enhances the PoTP from 48% to 72% for positive test and decreases the PoTP from 48% to 31% for negative test.
the ST may complement the clinical screening of reduced LLMS in older women, given that it is a simple and quick low-cost test and allows the evaluation of each lower limb separately.