Work

Predictive value of handgrip strength, calf circumference, and the SARC-F questionnaire for institutionalization and mortality after hip fracture – a real-world cohort study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background . The longitudinal associations between indicators of sarcopenia – such as muscle and functional impairments – and subsequent institutionalization and mortality after hip fracture are not well known. Aims. The aim of this study was to examine hand grip strength (HGS), calf circumference (CC), and the SARC-F questionnaire as predictors of admission to a long-term care facility (LTCF) and mortality among hip fracture patients. Methods . Study population consisted of 430 older adults with a low-energy hip fracture admitted in a university hospital between September 2021 to January 2023. Of these patients, 222 had data on HGS, CC, and the SARC-F questionnaire. Admission to an LTCF and mortality were followed for up to 12 months. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, ASA score, and cognitive and nutritional status. Results . During one-year follow-up, 14% entered long-term care and 13% died. Positive SARC-F-screen significantly increased the odds of admission to LTCF (OR 8.20; 95% CI 2.34 – 28.7), but no association was observed for HGS or CC. Positive SARC-F screening predicted mortality (HR 3.00, 95% CI 1.11 – 8.07). HGS-based probable sarcopenia showed a tendency towards increased mortality in the age and sex adjusted model (HR 8.07; 95% CI 1.09 – 59.9), but not after adjusting for ASA score, cognitive and nutritional status (HR 7.01; 95% CI 0.93 – 52.6). Conclusions . The SARC-F questionnaire emerged as a strong predictor for both LTCF admission and mortality one year after hip fracture, suggesting that the SARC-F may help clinicians identify patients at highest risk after hip fracture.

Source: Aging Clinical and Experimental Research

DOI: 10.1007/s40520-026-03558-2

Authors: Matias Blomqvist, L. Matias Pehkonen, Sari Stenholm, Maria S. Nuotio

Institutions: University of Turku, Turku University Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Nutrition and Health in Aging

Subfield: Physiology (medical)

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,490