Sit-to-stand power vs. handgrip strength for the assessment of muscle function in older people: Impact on functional ability and mortality in the Toledo study for healthy aging.
Level 3 - non-randomized controlled study
Prospective cohort study evaluating associations between baseline muscle function metrics and subsequent functional outcomes and mortality.
PubMed 42214508 · doi:10.1016/j.exger.2026.113189
What was done
Data from 2,134 older adults (aged ≥65 years, mean age 74.2 ± 6.8 years, 54.4% female) in the Toledo Study for Healthy Aging were analyzed. Researchers evaluated absolute and allometric (normalized by height squared) sit-to-stand (STS) power alongside handgrip strength. Sex-stratified binary logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models using sex-specific cut-offs were applied to evaluate associations with low functional ability (low usual gait speed [UGS], cognitive impairment, disability) and all-cause mortality.
What was found
In males, low absolute STS power (pooled OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.60–3.28) and low allometric STS power (pooled OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.53–3.19) were associated with lower functional ability and mortality, as were low absolute handgrip strength (pooled OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.08–2.28) and allometric handgrip strength (pooled OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.16–2.40). Low absolute STS power was more strongly associated with low UGS than low absolute handgrip strength in males (p = 0.003; allometric trend p = 0.072). In females, associations with lower functional ability and mortality were significant for absolute STS power (pooled OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.30–2.53), allometric STS power (pooled OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.21–2.29), absolute handgrip strength (pooled OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.19–2.31), and allometric handgrip strength (pooled OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.24–2.33), with no statistically significant differences between tests (p > 0.05).
Why it matters
Sit-to-stand power demonstrates equivalent predictive capacity to standard handgrip strength for mortality and functional decline, while offering superior sensitivity for gait speed impairment in older men.
Limits
The abstract pools functional outcomes and mortality in combined odds ratios, omitting discrete hazard ratios and follow-up duration. Findings from a single Spanish cohort may not generalize globally, and observational methodology cannot establish causality.
Cited by
- supports Loss of muscle power (dynapenia) is a strong prognostic and epidemiological predictor of longevity and mortality in aging.