Title: Multiple linear regression to develop strength scaled equations for knee and elbow joints based on age, gender and segment mass

Authors: Sonia D'Souza; John Rasmussen; Ansgar Schwirtz

Addresses: Faculty of Sports and Health Science, Technische Universitaet Muenchen, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 62, 80992 Munich, Germany. ' M-Tech, Aalborg University, Fibigerstraede 16, 9220, Aalborg East, Denmark. ' Faculty of Sports and Health Science, Technische Universitaet Muenchen, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 62, 80992 Munich, Germany

Abstract: The next 50 years will see a drastic increase in the older population. Digital human modelling is a valuable ergonomic tool to design safe and comfortable environments for the elderly. For this purpose, anthropometric dimensions, elbow peak torque (EPT) and knee peak torque (KPT) from a sample of 141 males and 142 females aged 50 to 80 years in Munich, Germany were collected. Males were significantly stronger than females across all age groups. For both genders, EPT was better preserved from 60s to 70s whereas KPT reduced significantly (P < 0.05) across all age groups. Strength scaled equations based on age, gender; upper/lower limb lengths and masses using multiple linear regressions were created and simplified by removing statistical redundancies. Gender, thigh mass and age best predicted KPT (R² = 0.60). Gender, forearm mass and age best predicted EPT (R² = 0.75). Good cross validation was established for both elbow and knee models.

Keywords: isometric peak torque; knee extension; elbow flexion; aging; gender differences; multiple linear regression; MLR; cross-validation; knee joints; elbow joints; segment mass; ederly; old people; digital human modelling; valuable ergonomics; human factors; anthropometrics; elbow peak torque; knee peak torque; Germany.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHFMS.2012.050071

International Journal of Human Factors Modelling and Simulation, 2012 Vol.3 No.1, pp.32 - 47

Received: 04 Jan 2012
Accepted: 28 Jun 2012
Published online: 29 Aug 2014 *

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