Objectives This study investigated how appendicular muscle mass and inter-limb functional imbalance relate to static and dynamic balance and mobility in adults aged 50 years or older.Methods We retrospectively analyzed medical records of 38 outpatients aged 50 years who completed body composition testing, handgrip strength assessment, and the short physical performance battery (SPPB) between May and July 2025.Participants were classified as balanced (grip asymmetry <10%) or unbalanced (10%).Group differences were analyzed using independent t-tests and chi-square tests.Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression identified factors associated with gait speed, and a random forest model was used to examine nonlinear patterns and variable importance.Results Balanced individuals showed significantly faster gait speed than the unbalanced group (1.180.23 vs. 0.920.30m/s; p=0.0043).Grip asymmetry demonstrated a meaningful negative correlation with gait speed (r=-0.470),while SPPB total score (r=0.704) and balance time (r=0.441)showed strong positive associations.In the multivariable model (adjusted R=0.523), grip asymmetry and age remained independent predictors of slower gait speed.These findings consistently indicate that functional imbalance, rather than absolute muscle mass, has greater relevance to mobility performance.Conclusions Grip strength asymmetry 10% was independently linked to lower gait speed and reduced mobility.Inter-limb functional imbalance may therefore serve as a practical and early indicator of mobility decline in older adults.(
Lee et al. (Sat,) studied this question.
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