Objective:

To describe the frequency of dynapenia in patients over 65 years of age and to evaluate its relationship with musculoskeletal function, physical activity level and clinical and sociodemographic characteristics.

Design:

Observational, descriptive study.

Location:

Family Medicine consultations.

Participants:

Patients over 65 years of age. A total of 120 patients were selected, corresponding to an expected prevalence of dynapenia of 25 %, a confidence level of 95 % and an accuracy of ±7.8 %.

Main measurements:

As a dependent variable, muscular strength in the dominant hand was quantified by hydraulic dynamometry. As independent variables, we included: musculoskeletal function (timed get up and go), falls in the last 3 months, physical activity level (IPAQ), self-perception of health status (EQ-5D), anthropometric measurements, body fat percentage, health problems, and sociodemographic characteristics.

Results:

The mean value of muscular strength was 32.2 kg (SD: 7.6) and 19.5 kg (SD: 5.1) in men and women respectively. 41.0% of men (95% CI: 24.3-57.7) and 51.9% of women (95% CI: 40.2-63.5) met criteria for dynapenia. Using logistic regression, the associated variables were: age of 70 years or over (OR=3.9), states of anxiety or depression (OR=2.8), people without studies (OR=2.8) and a higher percentage of fat mass (OR=1.1).

Conclusion:

We observed a high prevalence of dynapenia in people over 65 years of age, which is related to their functional situation. Although dynapenia is not more frequent in obese subjects or in subjects with multiple pathologies, states of anxiety or depression and poor self-perception of health may play a key role.

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