The influence of sarcopenia measures on balance performance based on the timed-up and go test in older adults residing in the community

Objectives: Sarcopenia has been hypothesized to affect balance and increase fall risk. This study investigated the influence of sarcopenia measures on balance performance, assessed using the timed-up and go test (TUG), in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 315 older adults aged ≥60 years (mean age = 68.02 ± 5.88) from selected communities in Selangor, Malaysia. Assessment included Strength, Assistance in walking, Rising from a chair, Climbing stairs, and Falls (SARC-F) questionnaire (5-items: Strength, assistance in walking, rising from a chair, climbing stairs and falls), muscle mass (MM) (Bioelectrical impedance analysis), muscle strength (MS) (grip dynamometer), and physical performance (PP) (5-times chair stand). Balance performance was assessed using the TUG test, which measures balance through combined movements including walking and turning. Results: About 182 (58.78%) and 133 (42.22%) participants showed low and normal balance performance, respectively. Chi-square tests indicated that MM ( P = 0.043), SARC-F, MS, and PP (all P < 0.01) differed significantly between groups. Unadjusted logistic regression analysis showed balance performance was significantly associated with SARC-F (odds ratio [OR]: 0.4 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.33, 0.48]), MS (OR: 1.06 [95% CI: 1.04, 1.09]), and PP (OR: 0.77 [95% CI: 0.71, 0.82]). In the adjusted model (age and gender), SARC-F, MS, and PP remained significantly associated with balance performance, including MM (OR: 0.60 [95% CI: 0.50, 0.73]), indicating those with low balance performance have a higher risk of sarcopenia with lower MS, MM, and PP. Conclusion: Sarcopenia may influence balance in older adults. Early screening with the SARC-F tool may help detect sarcopenia, while continued research on targeted interventions could reduce fall risk in this population.