Handgrip strength, functionality and plasma levels of IL-6 in elderly women

Abstract

Introduction: Aging is associated with a chronic low-grade inflammatory process characterized by an increased production of inflammatory mediators. These elevated levels are predictors for muscle function (sarcopenia) and deterioration of physical performance in the elderly. Objective: To investigate the correlation between sarcopenia, functional capacity, and interleukin-6 levels. Materials and methods: This crosssectional study assessed a convenience sample of elderly individuals (n = 130) using a handgrip dynamometer (JAMAR™), and the functional capacity test was performed by sitting and standing. Interleukin-6 levels were determined using high sensitivity ELISA kits. Spearman correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlation between these variables, at a significance level (α) of 0.05. Results: There was significant inverse correlation between strength and function (rS = -0.273, p = 0.002) such that elderly individuals with lower peak force took longer to perform the sit-to-stand test, in contrast with the relationship between plasma interleukin-6 levels and strength (rS = -0.043, p = 0.624) or functionality (rS = -0.060, p = 0.501). Conclusion: The outcome measures analyzed could predict the decline in muscle strength and functional capacity, and may be indicative of sarcopenia in elderly individuals. There was no correlation between the interleukin-6 levels and the grip strength and functional capacity of the sample investigated.