Factors associated with gait speed in older adults: influence of grip strength and sociodemographic variables
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v71.116087Keywords:
Older adult, Grip strength, Functional independenceAbstract
Introduction: Gait speed (GS) is a key indicator of functionality in older adults, and its decline is associated with a higher risk of dependency and mortality. Both grip strength (GS) and sociodemographic factors influence GS. Identifying these factors is essential for designing interventions that support active aging.
Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between GS, grip strength, and sociodemographic factors in non-institutionalized older adults from two Colombian cities.
Methodology: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with 118 participants, in which a survey was used to collect sociodemographic data. GS was assessed using the 3-meter walk test, and grip strength was measured using a hydraulic dynamometer. Descriptive analysis was performed using measures of central tendency and dispersion for quantitative variables, and frequencies for qualitative variables. Bivariate analyses included Spearman correlation. A multiple linear regression model was built and evaluated using ANOVA. Data were processed in SPSS v.28, with p < 0.05.
Discussion: The results partially align with previous studies associating GS with grip strength in older adults, although no statistically significant associations were found with sociodemographic variables. This highlights the importance of comprehensive and personalized interventions that consider biopsychosocial factors to promote healthy aging.
Results: The results showed a positive correlation between GS and grip strength (p < 0.001), with higher values in the dominant hand. The analysis revealed that sociodemographic variables did not have a significant influence on GS.
Conclusions: The study demonstrated a correlation between GS and grip strength. No significant influence of sociodemographic variables on GS was found, highlighting the importance of focusing interventions on muscle function to promote functional mobility in older adults.
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