Explosive power and asymmetry in leg muscle function in frequent fallers and non-fallers aged over 65

Although low strength is a risk factor for falls, lower limb explosive power is more predictive of functional difficulties than strength. Power may be more predictive of a future fall than strength per se. This study aimed to compare leg muscle strength and explosive power and asymmetry of leg strength and power of women aged 65 or over living at home, with and without a history of falls. weakness and asymmetry is prevalent in women aged 65 and over, with and without a history of falls. Poor lower limb explosive power combined with asymmetry between limbs may be more predictive of future falls than more traditional measurements of strength in older women who live independently.