Muscle strength differences in urban and rural populations in Sweden.

Abstract

The isometric extension and flexion strength of the right knee was investigated in 396 men and 537 women. The probands were randomly selected from the National Population Records, either from the city of Malmö, Sweden, or from a typical agricultural region 60km outside the city. Both the extension and the flexion strength decreased with age in both groups. Between 50 years and 80 years of age the decrease was almost 40%. The urban probands had significantly lower muscle strength in both sexes. The difference was most pronounced for the knee extension strength. Also, the flexion strength was less in the urban population, the difference significant only in octogenarians.