Quadriceps Strength and Executive Functions in Older Women

E.J.A. Scherder, L.H.P. Eggermont, R.H. Geuze, J. Vis, G.J. Verkerke

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

    20 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Quadriceps strength and executive functions in older women. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to answer the question whether the strength of the knee extensor musculus quadriceps (m. quadriceps), in particular, is related to specific executive functions and whether this relationship is independent of aerobic fitness. The clinical relevance of this question is that the m. quadriceps can still be trained in older people and executive functions are the most vulnerable to processes of aging. DESIGN: In 41 cognitively intact older women, cognitive functioning was assessed by neuropsychological tests; isometric and isotonic quadriceps strength by the Quadrisotester and the 30-sec chair-stand test, respectively; and aerobic fitness by the 6-min walk test. RESULTS: A significant proportion of the total variance of the executive functions, attention/working memory and inhibition, were explained by isometric/isotonic knee extensor strength and aerobic fitness, respectively. Extensor muscle strength, aerobic fitness, or one or more interactions did not explain a significant proportion of the total variance of other cognitive functions. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that in older women, quadriceps strength is associated with the executive function, attention/working memory, and that this effect is independent of aerobic fitness, which seems to be associated more strongly with inhibition, another executive function.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)458-463
    Number of pages6
    JournalAmerican journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation
    Volume89
    Issue number6
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2010

    Keywords

    • Aerobic Fitness
    • Aging
    • Executive Functions
    • Memory
    • Quadriceps Strength

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