Leg Strength and Independent Living in the Elderly

The purpose of this review was to better understand leg strength and independent living among the elderly. Research shows that leg strength decreases with age, significantly after about 70 years of age. With this decrease in leg strength, everyday activities such as walking to the kitchen or sitting down in a chair become big challenges. The studies in this review of literature examine various ways that the elderly can use resistance training to increase their leg strength. The methods in these studies include cycling, squatting, leg presses, leg curls, and leg extensions. All of these methods were shown to increase not only leg strength, but also muscle mass and overall balance in the participants of the studies. The participants reported increased ability to complete daily tasks by themselves, and also improved efficiency in doing those tasks. The results found in this review can be used to implement routines for individuals who have experienced a decrease in leg strength, to help them regain that strength and independent living. Additionally, this review can serve to educate sedentary individuals on the benefits of performing leg exercises and increasing strength