Impact of sarcopenia, sedentarism and risk of falls in older people’s health self-perception

Abstract Introduction: Sarcopenia, often associated with sedentarism, increases the risk of falls in older people, which may contribute to poorer health. Objective: This study sought to verify the impact of sarcopenia, sedentary lifestyle and risk of falls in older people’s health self-perception. Method: This was an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach. The sample included 317 older people from the municipality of Cruz Alta, who underwent an assessment with specific instruments to evaluate the presence of risk of falls (Downton and Timed Up and Go - TUG) and sarcopenia (Manual Hold Force - MHF and Circumference of the Calf - CP). They were also subjected to the International Physical Activity (IPAQ) and the Self-perception of Health questionnaires. Association between variables was performed using the Pearson chi-square test, with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: In respect to TUG, 202 (63.7%) older people presented an average risk of falls, and only 27 (8.5%) presented a high risk of falls. However, Downton showed that a hundred older people (31.5%) were at risk of falling. Sarcopenia as evaluated via CP and MHF was observed in 4.7% (15) and 31.9% older people, respectively. Regarding IPAQ, 161 (50.8%) participants were classified as active, while 156 (49.2%) were classified as inactive. In regards to self-perceived health, 159 (50.2%) older people evaluated their health condition as average or poor. Conclusion: Results suggest that older people’s negative health self-perception is directly associated with predisposing factors for falls, such as sarcopenia and physical inactivity, as well as the presence of risk of falls (as evaluated by instruments that take into account risk factors and individual physical conditions). Resumen Introducción: La sarcopenia, a menudo asociada a la inactividad física, aumenta el riesgo de caídas en ancianos, lo que puede contribuir a peores condiciones de salud. Meta: Este estudio buscó verificar el impacto de la sarcopenia, sedentarismo y riesgo de caídas en la autopercepción de salud de los ancianos. Métodos: Se caracteriza por ser un estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal con abordaje cuantitativo. La muestra fue constituida por 317 ancianos, del municipio de Cruz Alta, a los cuales se aplicaron instrumentos para verificar el riesgo de caídas (Downton y Timed Up and Go -TUG), la presencia de sarcopenia (Fuerza del Asalto Manual (FAM y Circunferencia de la Pantor