[Calf circumference and its association with gait speed in elderly participants at Peruvian Naval Medical Center]

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the association between calf circumference and gait speed in elderly patients 65 years or older at Geriatric day clinic at Peruvian Centro Médico Naval.

Material and methods: Cross-sectional, retrospective study. We assessed 139 participants, 65 years or older at Peruvian Centro Médico Naval including calf circumference, gait speed and Short Physical Performance Battery. With bivariate analyses and logistic regression model we search for association between variables.

Results: The age mean was 79.37 years old (SD: 8.71). 59.71% were male, the 30.97% had a slow walking speed and the mean calf circumference was 33.42cm (SD: 5.61). After a bivariate analysis, we found a calf circumference mean of 30.35cm (SD: 3.74) in the slow speed group and, in normal gait group, a mean of 33.51cm (SD: 3.26) with significantly differences. We used logistic regression to analyze association with slow gait speed, founding statistically significant results adjusting model by disability and age.

Conclusion: Low calf circumference is associated with slow speed walk in population over 65 years old.

Keywords: Adultos mayores; Calf circumference; Circunferencia de la pantorrilla; Elderly; Gait speed; Velocidad de la marcha.