Cutoff Points for Grip Strength in Screening for Sarcopenia in Community-Dwelling Older-Adults: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Currently, different cutoff points for handgrip strength (HGS) have been used to estimate the prevalence of sarcopenia. In addition, the variability of equipment and protocols for this assessment can significantly influence the early detection of this important public health problem. Thus, this review aims to identify the different cutoff points for HGS adopted for older men and women in screening for sarcopenia.

Objectives: this review aims to identify the different cutoff points for HGS adopted for older men and women in screening for sarcopenia.

Methods: In accordance with the PRISMA 2020 recommendations, which included published studies from the last 10 years, from 6 databases, in 3 different languages.

Results: 19.730 references were identified, of which 62 were included for the review. All references analyzed used algorithms and definitions of sarcopenia already known in the literature. Of the studies found, 16 chose to develop cutoff values for HGS based on their own population. The variation in cutoff points was evident when compared between gender and regions of the world.

Conclusion: It has become evident that there is a variability of normative values for HGS in sarcopenia screening. In addition, this systematic review shows the difference in the cutoff points used between the consensuses and those developed for each population.

Keywords: Epidemiology; geriatrics; sarcopenia and physical function.