Association between gait speed and muscle mass and strength in postmenopausal women

Background: Material and methods: Results: Gait speed (GS) is the most popular tool used in clinical practice to diagnose functional performance. In order to maintain the independence of the elderly, it is useful to determine the association between gait speed and skeletal muscle mass, as well as the strength of the lower and upper extremities, which was the aim of this study. Materials and Methods: The study involved 95 women in the postmenopausal period. The skeletal muscle mass (SM) was determined using a bioelectric impedance method using an octapolar bioimpedance InBody 720 analyzer. Upper limb strength was measured using the handgrip strength (HS) and arm curl (SAC) tests. The strength of the lower extremities was tested using a 30-second chair stand (SCS) test and the speed was based on the GS test. Results: A significant correlation between the GS test results and the strength of the lower extremities (r = 0.23; p = 0.03) was demonstrated. There was no correlation between GS and the strength of the upper extremities, muscle mass & the skeletal muscle mass index (SMI). Conclusions: Our observations can be useful for instructors and trainers in the process of programming physical activity of older women and in diagnostics of sarcopenia.