Beyond Handgrip—Trunk Strength, Gait Speed, Resting Metabolic Rate, and Muscle Mass as Integrated Predictors of Sarcopenia in Brazilian Older Women: A Pilot Observational Study

Sarcopenia is a complex condition marked by reductions in muscle strength, mass, and overall physical performance, which has significant consequences for functional autonomy and metabolic health in elderly women. This study sought to examine the correlations between lower limb strength, functional capabilities, and metabolic indicators in community-dwelling older women categorized according to the EWGSOP2 criteria. A total of thirty-eight women aged ≥ 60 years underwent assessments, including anthropometric, hemodynamic, and metabolic evaluations, along with functional tests such as handgrip strength, chair-rise test, gait speed, Timed Up-and-Go, and maximal isometric hip extension strength (MIHE). The criteria for probable sarcopenia were established using the handgrip thresholds set by the EWGSOP2. Women identified as having probable sarcopenia displayed markedly lower MIHE, diminished gait speed, inferior performance in chair-rise and Timed Up-and-Go tests, decreased muscle mass, and a lower resting metabolic rate than their non-sarcopenic counterparts. MIHE exhibited robust correlations with muscle mass, resting metabolic rate, and functional performance metrics. These results suggest that assessments of lower limb and trunk strength yield pertinent insights beyond handgrip strength alone. Function-oriented evaluations may improve sarcopenia screening and facilitate the identification of older women at risk of functional and metabolic deficiencies in community-based environments.