PHYSICAL DETERMINANTS OF INDEPENDENCE IN MATURE WOMEN

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship in mature women between muscle strength and whole body oxidative capacity and th e ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL). Sixty-one women (mean age 69 years) without major disease or disability were recruite d from either a community exercise center or a personal care facility. Physiological measurements consisted of peak oxygen consumption on a cycle ergometer (VO(2)peak) and one repetition maximum strength of nin e muscle groups (1-RM). Ability to perform ADL was measured with a bal ance and gait test,''Bag Carrying Test'', and ADL questionnaires. Sign ificant correlations were found with VO(2)peak and calf muscle strengt h and ability to perform ADL, with weaker or no correlations for other muscle groups. For some relationships, it was possible to identify th e minimum level of physiological functioning associated with successfu l performance of independence tasks. In summary, physiological capacit ies, particularly VO(2)peak and strength of the calf muscles, predicte d ability to perform activities needed for functional independence in healthy mature women. (C) 1995 by the American Congress of Rehabilitat ion Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabil itation