Functionality and hand grip strength associated with nutritional status and physical activity in Ecuadorians ambulatory older adults
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v77.110282Keywords:
handgrip level, nutritional status, physical activity, older adults, aged, physical functional performanceAbstract
Introduction: decreased muscle mass, strength and mobility can affect basic activities of daily living in older adults, making it necessary to assess its presentation early.
Objective: To determine the association between the level of functionality (SPPB) and hand grip strength with nutritional status and physical activity in ambulatory older adults.
Methodology: this was a cross-sectional analytical study in 74 older adults (AM) who regularly participate in the clubs of urban health centers in the Cuenca canton in Ecuador. Primary variables included age, sex, marital status, education level, and previous occupation. Secondary variables included nutritional status and physical activity using the short version of the IPAQ questionnaire; functionality using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB); and hand grip strength using dynamometry. For the analysis, SPSS version 26 was used with descriptive statistics, to search for association, the Odds Ratio (OR) with 95% CI was used and to establish the level of statistical significance, with the Chi square and its p value <0,05.
Results: they showed an average age of 74.6 years (±7.2), a level of functionality according to the SPPB, of great limitations in 2.7%; moderate limitation in 20,3% and mild limitation in 47.3%. In the SPPB the Tandem position was the most affected at 31.1%. Hand grip strength in men was decreased compared to women with higher averages for the right upper limb of 24.91 (±6.62). No association was found between functionality and the level of physical activity OR=0.789 (95%CI 0.266-2.340; p<0.669) and nutritional status OR=0.708 (95%CI 0.236-0.125; p<0,537.
Conclusions: No significant association was found between the study variables; however, the results reported concerning levels of functional impairment in older adults in outpatient clinics in Ecuador.
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