Comparative Analysis of Muscle Strength, Dynamic Stability, Balance, Sit-to-Stand Capacity, Fear of Falling, and Fall...

In this study, we aimed to compare muscle strength, dynamic postural stability, balance, sit-to-stand capacity, fear of falling, and fall history among robust, prefrail, and frail older adults.

This cross-sectional Cross-sectional study included 159 community-dwelling older adults classified by frailty phenotypes. Muscle strength was assessed with a hand-held dynamometer. Dynamic postural stability during gait was measured with the Functional Gait Assessment. Static balance was assessed via the Single-Leg Stance test and the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance. Reactive balance response was assessed via the forward compensatory stepping correction task. Sit-to-stand capacity was measured using the Five-Time Sit-to-Stand test. Fear of falling was assessed with the Falls Efficacy Scale-International, and the history of falls in the past year was self-reported. Analysis of covariance was used for continuous outcomes (muscle strength, sit-to-stand performance, dynamic postural stability, static balance, and fear of falling), and binomial and ordinal logistic regression were used for categorical and ordinal outcomes (history of falls and reactive balance response).

Compared with robust individuals, frail older adults had lower trunk and lower limb strength, static balance, dynamic stability, and sit-to-stand capacity (all P values <.05); greater fear of falling; worse reactive balance; and higher fall history. Prefrail adults also showed declines in lower limb strength, static balance, dynamic stability, sit-to-stand capacity, and reactive balance response (all P values <.05).

Physical and functional declines in frail and prefrail older adults highlight the need to include these parameters in their assessment.