Evaluation of functional parameters of the foot and ankle in elderly with sarcopenia

OBJECTIVE: With population aging, the prevalence of sarcopenia has increased. It is a pathology often neglected, with the potential to cause great damage if not diagnosed and treated. The objective of this study was to identify sarcopenic elderly people through the SARC-F score and palm grip test and to evaluate foot and ankle functionality parameters: gait speed, plantar sensitivity, and baropodometry. METHODS: This is a descriptive and cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 20 sarcopenic elderly diagnosed through the SARC-F score and the handgrip strength test, from which demographic data were obtained, and the three functional tests related to the foot and ankle were performed. RESULTS: No individual was aware of the term sarcopenia. Regarding gait speed, 20 (100%) presented values compatible with sarcopenia (average of 0.52 m/s). Regarding plantar sensitivity, five (25%) of the patients showed changes in the exam with the detection of insensitivity. Regarding baropodometry, higher pressure values were observed in the right foot (average of 52.9±7.01%) compared to the left (average of 47.10±7.01%) and in the hindfoot (average of 55.85±16.21%) compared to the forefoot (mean 44.15±15.35%). When correlating the analyzed variables with the SARC-F scores, the only association that showed statistical significance (p<0.05) was the dynamometry on the right. CONCLUSION: The SARC-F score and the handgrip strength test are easy to apply in the screening of sarcopenia, and the functional parameters of the foot and ankle were shown to be altered in the studied group.