Association Between Calf Muscle Strength and Self-Reported Functional Mobility in Middle-Aged Women With Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study
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Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with skeletal muscle dysfunction and lower-extremity functional limitation, but the relationship between calf muscle strength and self-reported mobility in middle-aged women remains insufficiently explored. Objective: To assess the association between calf muscle strength/endurance and self-reported functional mobility among middle-aged women with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 123 women aged 40–64 years with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Calf muscle strength/endurance was assessed using the Heel Raise Test, and self-reported functional mobility was measured using the Lower Extremity Functional Scale. Descriptive statistics summarized demographic and clinical variables. Pearson correlation was used to assess the continuous association between Heel Raise Test repetitions and LEFS total score, while Chi-square testing was used as a secondary categorical analysis. Results: The mean age was 50.63 ± 4.41 years. Mean Heel Raise Test performance was 19.92 ± 5.27 repetitions, and mean LEFS score was 59.79 ± 10.71. Mild calf endurance reduction was observed in 68.3% of participants, while 95.1% reported some degree of functional limitation. Heel Raise Test repetitions showed a strong positive correlation with LEFS score (r = 0.936, 95% CI: 0.908–0.956, p < 0.001). The categorical association was significant (χ² = 72.576, df = 9, p < 0.001), although sparse expected cell counts limited interpretation. Conclusion: Calf muscle strength/endurance was strongly associated with self-reported functional mobility in middle-aged women with type 2 diabetes mellitus
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