Hand-grip strength (HGS) has been used to predict functional limitation in the elderly. However, this relationship in all situations is doubtful. The purpose of the study was to observe the association between HGS and functional performance (FP), in specific and not specific tasks among 19 long-term home elderly residents, 12 men (70±6 yrs; 64±9 kg; 160±10 cm) and 7 women (77±11 yrs; 49±10 kg; 147±10 cm). HGS was measured by a hydraulic hand dynamometer. The FP was measured by the time to perform the following tasks: 1) habitual gait speed (HGS); 2) timed up & go test (TUGT); 3) opening a lock with a key (OLK); 4) to take off and put in a light bulb (TPB). The Wilcoxon test revealed that men were better than women in all measurements except for the IMC, OLK and TPL (p<0.05). The Spearman coefficients showed significant correlation between HGS and three FP tests: TPL (r=-.54; p=.018); TUGT (r=-.67; p=.002) and HGS (r=-.69; p=.001). The multiple correlation showed good correlation between the HGS and all FP tests (R=.66; R²=.44; p<.04). These results suggest that HGS may be a good predictor for FP, especially for fragile and institutionalized elderly subjects, having a good potential as an epidemiologic exposition variable to forecast functional performance.
aging; health; autonomy; physical aptitude; muscular strength
