Prognostic value of physical function tests: hand grip strength and six-minute walking test in elderly hospitalized XXXX .

@entity1 @entity2057 @entity455 @entity3147
To discern if physical function test are better mortality predictors than muscle mass in elderly hospitalized @entity1 , we analyzed the prognostic value of muscle mass @entity3147 and compared it with physical muscle function tests, including the six-minute walking test (6MWT) and hand grip strength. We included the ankle brachial index (ABI) to assess @entity455 , related to @entity2057 due to hypoperfusion. We also analyzed the relationship of ABI with @entity3147 , physical function tests and survival. We studied 310 hospitalized @entity1 older than 60 years. To assess nutritional status, we determined BMI, triceps skinfold and mid-arm muscle area; we performed a subjective nutritional assessment; and evaluated the degree of inflammatory stress. We assessed physical function by hand grip strength and 6MWT. We evaluated @entity455 by ABI. Forty-one @entity1 died during hospitalization; 269 were discharged and followed for a mean 808 days, reaching a mortality of 49%. Muscle @entity3147 was frequent and was related to mortality, but the best predictors were physical function tests: inability to perform the 6MWT and low handgrip strength. Function tests were closely related to each other and correlated with nutritional data. Reduced ABI was related to impaired nutritional status, physical function tests and mortality.
