CAN SIMPLE SCREENING METHODS HELP IDENTIFY OLDER ADULTS AT RISK OF FALLS? ASSOCIATION BETWEEN HANDGRIP STRENGTH, FIVE-TIMES SIT-TO- STAND TEST, AND CALF CIRCUMFERENCE

INTRODUCTION: Age-related decline in muscle strength is associated with an increased risk of falls, fractures, hospitalization, and functional impairment. Handgrip strength assessed by dynamometry is widely used for screening sarcopenia and frailty; however, simple and low-cost methods may be necessary for the early identification of these conditions in settings where dynamometry is unavailable. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether performance on the Five-Times Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSTS) and calf circumference are associated with handgrip strength in community- dwelling older adults. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 127 older adults of both sexes (71.27 ± 6.03 years) attending a community senior center. Participants underwent assessment of FTSTS performance, calf circumference measurement, and handgrip strength evaluation using a dynamometer. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed with handgrip strength as the dependent variable and age, FTSTS completion time, and calf circumference as independent variables. RESULTS: Age was not significantly associated with handgrip strength (B = 0.065; p = 0.571). FTSTS performance showed a significant negative association with muscle strength (B = -0.454; Beta = -0.228; p = 0.015), indicating that individuals with poorer functional performance tended to exhibit lower strength levels. Calf circumference demonstrated the greatest explanatory power for handgrip strength (B = 0.698; Beta = 0.531; p < 0.001), suggesting that higher peripheral muscle mass is associated with better overall muscle condition. CONCLUSION: The Five-Times Sit- to-Stand Test and calf circumference were significantly associated with handgrip strength in community-dwelling older adults. These findings support the potential use of accessible and low-cost screening tools to identify muscle deficits in settings where dynamometry is unavailable, facilitating the early detection of older adults with greater functional vulnerability and supporting preventive interventions aimed at reducing the risk of falls, frailty, and fractures in the community.