Toe flexor strength contributes to maintaining the body’s center of gravity and recovering balance in potentially hazardous situations such as slips or falls. This study examined the correlation between sleep duration, exercise time, toe flexor strength, and balance ability in older adults.
The study included 63 participants aged 60 years or older (mean age 72.7 ± 6.9 years). Self-reported data on sleep duration and exercise time per week were collected through a structured questionnaire. Toe flexor strength was measured using a handheld dynamometer (Hoggan), and balance parameters were evaluated using the Quiet Stand (closed-eye, 30 seconds) test on the Force Decks system (Vald).
The main results are as follows:
Sleep duration was significantly associated with the area of the center of pressure (CoP) ellipse, a metric of balance (r=0.34, p<0.05).Exercise time was significantly correlated with right toe flexor strength (r=0.33, p<0.05). In terms of the relationship between toe flexor strength and balance, right toe flexor strength influenced the CoP medial range (r=0.33, p=0.12), while left toe flexor strength showed a non-linear relationship with balance. These findings suggest that while muscle strength naturally decreases with age, exercise time is strongly correlated with toe flexor strength, which significantly impacts balance. Enhancing these factors through targeted interventions may help improve functional health and reduce fall risk in older adults.

Authors:
Yukyoung Won, CHA University, South Korea
Junggi Hong, CHA University, South Korea

About the Presenter(s)
Yukyoung Won is currently a University Doctoral student at CHA University Graduate School of Medical and Science in South Korea with a particular interest in senior fitness and sarcopenia.

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