Objective: The aim of the present study was to verify which clinical strength
assessment methods and physical functional performance tests are correlated with the
isometric and dynamic peak torque of the knee extensors, and to develop predictive
equations that estimate the isometric and dynamic peak torque in elderly people.
Methods: Forty-nine subjects (≥ 60 years old) of both sexes were selected. The peak
isometric torque (PTISO) and concentric dynamic torque (PTCON) of the knee joint
extensors on the preferred limb was assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer on the
first day of assessment. Forty-eight hours later the unilateral maximum strength test (1-
RM) of the preferred limb was performed on the leg extension exercise, followed by
the upper limb power test with a 2 kg medicine ball (ABM-2). On the third day, the
dynamic balance test (time up and go), the ability to climb and descend stairs
(separately) were evaluated, with these three tests a functional index (IFUNC) was built.
Results: The main results demonstrated that the IFUNC does not predict improvement
in the peak knee extensor torque (p> 0.05). Against the initial hypothesis which
improves the performance of peak torque, so much isometric and dynamic, would have
a direct response to functional performance.
Conclusion: The measures of maximum strength for the lower limb (leg extension, 1-
RM) and power of the upper limb (throwing the medicine ball 2-kg) when associated
explain more than 60% (p <0.05) changes on performance in the isometric and dynamic
strength of knee extensors of untrained elderly.
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