| Abstract: | A need exists for easy, reliable forms of measurement to determine functional capacity and strength of the over 75 population. The purpose of this study was to determine whether grip strength correlated with overall strength and functional capacity in females over 75 years of age. Another reason was to determine a simple strategy for employees of assisted living centers to use to determine the functional capacities of residents. Correlations among grip strength, overall strength, and functional capacity in females aged 75 to 84 and over 85 were investigated using a sample of assisted living residents in middle Tennessee. The following tests were administered to each of the 102 qualifying participants: Barthel Index, grip strength, overall strength, and Timed Get-Up-and-Go Test. Grip strength was moderately correlated with overall body strength in the very old and oldest old populations. Grip strength did not correlate highly with either the Barthel Index or the TUG. According to these findings, grip strength should be used along with other methods of determining overall strength but should not be used to determine functional capacity. |
