Sit-to-Stand Power,Grip strength, and Performance Outcomes in Older Adults

GNYACSM Original Research Abstract Sit-to-Stand Power,Grip strength, and Performance Outcomes in Older Adults LENO BENNY, RENEE LUSTIN, NORBERTO QUILES & ANOOP T. BALACHANDRAN Exercise and Aging Lab, Department of Family, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences, Queens College, The City University of New York, Flushing, NY Category: Graduate Advisor / Mentor: Balachandran, Anoop T. ([email protected]) ABSTRACT Hand grip strength is widely used as a marker for strength and sarcopenia in older adults. Although power is more strongly associated with physical performance, power testing is sparingly used due to high cost, expertise required and portability issues. The sit-to-stand power test is a low-cost,fairly accurate, portable, and functional method to assess muscle power. PURPOSE: To compare grip strength and sit-to-stand power with performance outcomes in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: Eighty-seven older adults completed the sit-to-stand power test using a linear transducer. The highest peak power from the three trials was recorded. Grip strength was assessed using a Jamar dynamometer. Performance measures included the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) for balance, walk speed, and chair stand test, Timed Up and Go (TUG) at fast and normal paces, and physical function and mobility questionnaires as self-reported outcome measures. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to examine correlations. RESULTS: Participants (70.5 years; 55% female) had an average SPPB score of 10.6 out of 12. Sit to stand peak power was moderately correlated with grip strength (r = 0.67, 95% CI (0.53, 0.77). Sit-to-stand power had a stronger correlation than grip strength with SPPB (0.38 vs. 0.22), chair stand test (-0.43 vs. -0.25), TUG fast pace (-0.43 vs. -0.30), TUG normal pace (-0.40 vs. -0.29), physical function questionnaire (0.43 vs. 0.34),and mobility questionnaire (0.38 vs. 0.27). CONCLUSION: Sit-to-stand power showed stronger associations with physical performance and self-reported outcomes than grip strength in community-living older adults.