The validity of an assessment of maximum angular velocity of knee extension (KE) using a gyroscope

Although it is more important to assess the muscular power of the lower extremities than the strength, no simplified method for doing so has been found. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of the assessment of the angular velocity of KE using a gyroscope. Participants included 105 community-dwelling older people (55 women, 50 men, age +/- standard deviation (SD) 75 +/- 5.3). Pearson correlation coefficients and Spearman rank-correlation coefficients were used to examine the relationships between the angular velocity of KE and functional performance measurements, a self-efficacy scale and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The data from the gyroscope were significantly correlated with some physical functions such as muscle strength (r = 0.304, p < 0.01), and walking velocity (r = 0.543, p < 0.001). In addition, the joint angular velocity was significantly correlated with self-efficacy (r = 0.219-0.329, p < 0.01-0.05) and HRQOL (r = 0.207-0.359, p < 0.01-0.05). The absolute value of the correlation coefficient of angular velocity tended to be greater than that of the muscle strength for mobility functions such as walking velocity and the timed-up-and-go (TUG) test. In conclusion, it was found that the assessment of the angular velocity of the knee joint using a gyroscope could be a feasible and meaningful measurement in the geriatrics field. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.