Original Article
J Frailty Sarcopenia Falls 2025 Jun; 10(2):54-61 Copied!
10.22540/JFSF-10-054 Copied!
The Effect of Muscle Strength and Visual Contrast Sensitivity on Fall Risk Sway Velocity Index
- Department of Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation, Exercise, and Nutrition Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, USA
- Department of Kinesiology, Central College, Pella, Iowa, USA
- Department of Psychology, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
Keywords:
Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine if fall risk scores were affected by the interaction between muscle strength and visual contrast sensitivity. Methods Ninety-one individuals aged 19-79 years completed assessments of knee extension strength, visual contrast sensitivity, and fall risk. Correlations and moderation analysis were completed in combination with analysis of variance. Data were categorized into groups: 1) higher strength-higher visual contrast sensitivity, 2) higher strength-lower visual contrast sensitivity; 3) lower strength- higher visual contrast sensitivity, and 4) lower strength-lower visual contrast sensitivity. Results Knee extension strength via peak torque relative to body mass (R= -0.57, P<0.001) and visual contrast sensitivity (R=-0.63, P<0.001) were both negatively correlated with age, while fall risk scores were positively correlated with age (R=0.34, P=0.001). The interaction between muscle strength and visual contrast sensitivity was a significant predictor of fall risk scores (t=2.420, P=0.018) when controlling for age. Participants exhibiting lower strength-lower contrast sensitivity (12.96±1.93) had significantly worse fall risk scores compared to higher strength-higher visual contrast sensitivity (11.53±1.75, P=0.045). Conclusion Lower levels of lower body muscle strength combined with lower visual contrast sensitivity interact to negatively influence fall risk.