Mechanography performance tests and their association with sarcopenia, falls and impairment in the activities of daily living – a pilot cross-sectional study in 293 older adults

OBJECTIVES: Muscle mass and muscle power considerably decline with aging. The aim of the present study was to determine the association between muscular function using mechanography and sarcopenia, falls and impairment in the activities of daily living (ADL) in a sample of 293 community-dwelling women and men aged 60-85 years in Berlin, Germany. METHODS: Muscle function was determined by muscle power per body mass in vertical countermovement jumps (2LJP(rel)) and the chair rising test (CRTP(rel)) on a force plate. Sarcopenia status was assessed by estimating appendicular muscle mass with dual-X-ray absorptiometry. Self-reported ADL impairment and falls in the last 12 months were determined. RESULTS: ADL impairment was significantly correlated with all performance tests but not with muscle mass. The 2LJP(rel) (OR 0.88, 95%-CI 0.79-0.98), the Esslinger Fitness Index (EFI) (OR 0.97, 95%-CI 0.94-1.00) and the maximal velocity of the CRT (OR 0.70, 95%-CI 0.53-0.93) remained significant correlates for sarcopenia independent of age in men but not in women. The EFI could differentiate female individuals who had past fall events (OR 0.96, 95%-CI 0.93-0.98). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study highlight the importance of assessing muscle power in older individuals as a relevant correlate for functional decline.