Evolution of physical performance and handgrip strength in elderly assisted by an Interdisciplinary Domiciliary Assistance Program during one year

Abstract

Due to the increase of morbidities in aging, there is a need for health services to assist elderly, such as a Domiciliary Assistance. We performed an observational prospective study to analyze physical performance and handgrip strength in elderly assisted by Interdisciplinary Domiciliary Assistance Center in one year. We assessed 19 elderly who were capable of comprehension, independent gait and without decompensation of disease at baseline and after one year. The evaluation consisted of anthropometric and clinical data collected by medical records, physical performance (Short Physical Performance Battery-SPPB) and handgrip strength at patient home. We compared the evaluations (paired t test) and assess the association between body mass index, age, SPPB and handgrip strength (Pearson correlation). As results, there was a significant worsening in handgrip strength in both limbs, gait speed and general physical performance. Body mass index, balance and lower extremity strength were kept. We observed inverse correlation between age (r=-0.55) and change in balance and direct correlation between handgrip strength and gait (r=0.48). There was no other significant correlation. A more specific and frequent assistance could bring benefits on independence and quality of life in elderly community, since elderly get higher functional loss and comorbidities.