Probability of sarcopenia associated with functionality parameters and risk of falls in a population of older adults in Colombia

Objective. To evaluate the association between the probability of sarcopenia with functionality and the risk of falls among older adults in Colombia. Materials and methods. A total of 224 Colombian men and women, over 60 years of age, were evaluated, categorizing their probability of sarcopenia from the Ishii´s Score into low, medium, and high. Surveys, functionality scales, anthropometric measurements, and gait kinematics were carried out. Results. 22% of the population had between the medium and high probability of presenting sarcopenia, results comparable with previous studies in the Colombian population. In bivariate analyses, the probability of having sarcopenia was significantly associated with age, gender, and fear of falling as measured by the FES-I, stride length, percentage duration of the single-leg stance phase, waist circumference, elaborate steps, and functional balance. The latter three remained significant in multivariate logistic regression analysis. Conclusion. The influence of sarcopenia on the functionality of older adults including gait is corroborated. Likewise, the possibility of using the Ishii´s Score in the Latin American population is evidenced.