Abstract:Background: low muscle strength is common and important in geriatric syndromes including frailty and sarcopenia. Muscle strength is only one of the many components in risk of falls and it is currently unclear to what extend handgrip strength (HGS) is associated with dynamic balance and functional mobility. HGS is frequently used as a measurement of muscle strength, especially among older adults. However, there is conflicting evidence assessing the correlation between HGS and other feasible measures like dynamic balance and functional mobility.
Objective: To determine the relationship between HGS on dynamic balance and functional mobility in older adults.
Method: A cross sectional study was conducted among community living older adults. 33 older adults aged 65 and above were included in the study. Sociodemographic data were collected and test of HGS was carried out by using handheld dynamometer. Four square step test (FSST) was used to assess dynamic balance and time up and go test (TUGT) was used to asses functional mobility. The Pearson correlation test was used to find the correlation.
Results: The average HGS in the study group amounted to 20.33 kg, including 22.8 kg in men and 17.4 kg in women. Pearson correlation coefficient test found a negative correlation (r = -0.19) between HGS and FSST and was found to be statistically non-significant (p>0.05). similarly, negative correlation (r = - 0.53) was found between HGS and TUGT and found to be statistically highly significant (p<0.01).
Conclusion: This study concluded that regardless of gender, higher HGS were associated with reduced dynamic balance and functional mobility. By means of simple tools, early diagnosis will facilitate the planning of appropriate intervention in older adults to present disability and mortality.
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