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Browsing EM - ESSEM - Fisioterapia by Author "Ferreira, Filipa Cristina Luís"
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- The association between muscle power and gait complexity in apparently healthy older adults : a correlational studyPublication . Ferreira, Filipa Cristina Luís; Vaz, João Pedro Casaca de RochaThis study explores the relationship between two established biomarkers of age-related functional decline: muscle power and gait complexity. Both are considered robust indicators of motor control decline, appearing before manifestations of age-related changes 1–4, but their interrelation remains unclear. We hypothesized a positive correlation between lower limb muscle power and gait complexity in healthy older adults. In this cross-sectional study, 28 participants aged 60 and above were analysed. Muscle power was assessed through a sit-to-stand task using a Bertec force plate, while gait complexity was measured during a 12-minute treadmill walk with a Bertec treadmill and custom MATLAB code. Correlation analyses showed no significant associations between muscle power (PRF/BW, RFD30/w, RFD100/w) and gait complexity (fractal scaling exponent α, or CV), with all coefficients low and p-values > 0.05. These findings suggest that, although both are early indicators of neuromuscular decline, muscle power and gait complexity may reflect distinct motor control mechanisms. Nevertheless, both remain valuable and complementary markers of functional aging.