Fernandes, BeatrizTomás, Maria TeresaQuirino, Diogo2017-12-182017-12-182015-12Fernandes B, Tomás MT, Quirino D. Sarcopenia, balance and risk of falling in a sample of Portuguese community-dwelling older adults. In: 8th International Conference on Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle Wasting, Paris, December, 2015. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle. 2015;6(4):420-1.http://hdl.handle.net/10400.21/7721Background and aims: Given the growing aging index, Portuguese population is particularly exposed to a higher risk of falls, which is related to decreased levels of lower limbs muscle mass and strength. These factors are a consequence of sarcopenia which has been associated with higher risk of falling. Handgrip strength is a clinical marker of risk of disability and cut-off points for defining sarcopenia through handgrip strength have been identified. The purpose of this study was to characterize the risk of falls and related factors in community- dwelling older adults. Methods: The sample consisted of 128 community-dwelling older adults (95 women, 33 men), aged 65–97 years, apparently healthy. Outcome measures were Berg Balance Scale (BBS) to assess the risk of falling, 30s chair stand test for lower limbs strength, 8-foot up and go test for mobility and handgrip strength with the dynamometer Jamar®. Results: BBS values were above cut-off points for risk of falling, meanwhile scores from the other tests showed lower values compared to other similar populations. 36% reported at least one fall in the past year. Lower limbs strength was lower for fallers and this was different (p = 0,023) from non-fallers. 21.2% of males and 24.2% of females showed values of handgrip strength lower than cut-off points for risk of sarcopenia. Conclusions: Although the risk of falling in this sample is not increased, strength, lower limbs strength and mobility are decreased. This study reinforces the evidence that lower limbs muscle strength is lower in fallers than in non-fallers, which is described as a risk factor for falling. Assessment of these factors seems to be recommended in order to design rehabilitation programs as countermeasures for further muscle and functional deterioration and consequently, decrease the risk of falling.engPhysiotherapyRehabilitationElderlyFalls preventionHandgrip strengthconference object10.1002/jcsm.12087