Is knee extension strength a better predictor of functional performance than handgrip strength among older adults in three different settings?

BACKGROUND: The first purpose was to examine whether knee extension strength is a better predictor of functional performance than handgrip strength among older adults (≥60 years). The second purpose was to identify functionally relevant cut-off values for muscle strength. METHODS: 770 community-dwelling older adults, 104 older adults living in assisted living facilities and 73 nursing home residents were included. Static strength, expressed in kg/kg body weight (BW), was measured using two field tests: handgrip (GRIP/BW) and knee extension (KNEE/BW) test. Functional performance was assessed with 6-Minute Walk Distance (6MWD, N=947) and modified Physical Performance Test (mPPT, N=152). RESULTS: Both GRIP/BW and KNEE/BW were positively correlated with functional performance in all settings (p