J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact, 2017; 17(3): 246-257, PMID: 28860427

Feasibility and acceptability of using jumping mechanography to detect early components of sarcopenia in community-dwelling older women.

Year: 2017

Hannam K, Hartley A, Clark EM, Aihie Sayer A, Tobias JH, Gregson CL
Musculoskeletal Research Unit,Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility and acceptability of using peak power and force, measured by jumping mechanography (JM), to detect early age-related features of sarcopenia in older women. METHODS: Community-dwelling women aged 71-87 years were recruited into this cross-sectional study. Physical function tests comprised the short physical performance battery (SPPB), grip strength and, if SPPB score>/=6, JM. JM measured peak weight-adjusted power and force from two-footed jumps and one-legged hops respectively. Questionnaires assessed acceptability. RESULTS: 463 women were recruited; 37(8%) with SPPB6 were ineligible for JM. Of 426 remaining, 359(84%) were able to perform >/=1 valid two-footed jump, 300(70%) completed >/=1 valid one-legged hop. No adverse events occurred. Only 14% reported discomfort. Discomfort related to JM performance, with inverse associations with both power and force (p0.01). Peak power and force respectively explained 8% and 10% of variance in SPPB score (13% combined); only peak power explained additional variance in grip strength (17%). CONCLUSIONS: Peak power and force explained a significant, but limited, proportion of variance in SPPB and grip strength. JM represents a safe and acceptable clinical tool for evaluating lower-limb muscle power and force in older women, detecting distinct components of muscle function, and possibly sarcopenia, compared to those evaluated by more established measures.

GID: 4506; Last update: 06.09.2017