Aim: To investigate whether the Kihon Checklist (KCL) can predict frailty and disability.Methods: The studies analyzed for the present review were retrieved by searching electronic databases and other sources using the keywords "Kihon Checklist" and "Basic Checklist." The articles were restricted to those written in English and published in health sciences journals from the year 2006 until the end of April 2015. To be included in the full analysis, the study had to be primary research and use the KCL as a dependent or independent variable.Results: A total of 62 articles were identified in the initial search, and after screening, 13 articles were included in this review. The KCL was found to be closely correlated with validated assessments of frailty phenotypes. The complete version of the KCL and specific domains have been used as research outcomes to verify frailty in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. KCL domains were applied to evaluate different outcomes, such as depressive mood, functional disability and instrumental activities of daily living limitations. Conclusions:The KCL is a reliable tool for predicting general frailty and frailty aspects in older adults. The KCL was shown to be adequate for cross-cultural studies and to be suitable for addressing frailty demands among elderly in multiple cohorts. The KCL is a short questionnaire, which makes its administration by health promoters easy; thus, it has been used to evaluate the effectiveness of frailty interventions. We strongly recommend use of the KCL in community and clinical practice to assess frailty status. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 893-902.

The Portuguese language version of the Kihon Checklist presented good internal consistency and validity. Therefore, we encourage its application in the elderly Brazilian population with an aim of monitoring their frailty to prevent or delay the functional dependence and any other adverse health outcomes. [Correction added on 14 January 2013, after first online publication: the phrase 'loss of' has been deleted from the preceding statement.]

Aim:To examine whether arterial stiffness, measured by the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), is associated with skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) in Japanese community-dwelling older adults.Methods: Data were collected from 175 participants through questionnaires and specific tests; the data included demographic, lifestyle and health characteristics, body mass index (BMI), and body composition features determined by the bioelectrical impedance analysis, ankle-brachial index, the Mini-Nutritional Assessment, handgrip strength (GS), walking speed and shuttle walking tests (SW), and arterial stiffness determined by the CAVI. Absolute SMI was dichotomized according to the first quintile, which determined low (n = 35) and normal (n = 140) SMI. Results:Participants with low SMI were older (P = 0.01), had more polypharmacy (P = 0.01), a lower BMI (P < 0.001), and fat mass index (P = 0.02), and had a greater risk of malnutrition (P < 0.001) than the normal group. Additionally, they showed poorer physical performance (GS and SW, P = 0.007 and 0.01, respectively) than the normal group. Furthermore, CAVI was associated with SMI even after adjustments (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.14-2.90, P = 0.01). Conclusions:Our data showed that arterial stiffness is associated with low SMI in community-dwelling older adults, even when adjusting by multiple factors, showing a close interaction of vascular aging and muscle mass decline.

Abstract.[Purpose] The aim of this technical note was to report significant differences in the tension forces of the different-sized Thera-band ® elastic bands (Hygenic Corp.) determined by us versus the manufacturer. [Subjects] Two trained observers performed all measurements.[Methods] The tension force (kilogram-force units) of eight color-coded elastic bands (tan, yellow, red, green, blue, black, silver, and gold) with different resistance levels was measured at 10 different percentages of elongation (25% to 250% with 25% increments) using an electronic elongation gauge tensiometer.[Results] There were significant differences in the tension force of the elastic bands of different colors when compared in pairs (excepting the tan/yellow pair) at 100% and 200% elongation, as determined via one-way analysis of variance. There were no differences in the slopes for the tan versus yellow and green versus blue bands, as determined via linear regression analysis and one-way analysis of variance. Comparison of the tension force values obtained in our study with the reference values of the manufacturer (the t-test applied to the slopes) showed significant differences for five colors (yellow, green, blue, silver, and gold). [Conclusion] Our results indicate that the tension force values for Thera-Band elastic bands provided by the manufacturer are overestimates.

Introduction. Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome associated with impairment of muscle function, metabolism, and cognition in older women. Recent studies have shown a relationship between changes in muscle mass and the cardiovascular system. However, this relationship has not been fully elucidated. Methods. One hundred and thirty community-dwelling Brazilian older women (65.4 ± 6.3 years) were recruited to participate in this study. Data on body composition (via bioelectrical impedance measurements), cardiovascular parameters (using an automatic and noninvasive monitor), and muscle function (using a 3-meter gait speed test) were measured. Results. Sarcopenic older women (n = 43) presented higher levels of pulse pressure (PP) (60.3 ± 2.6 mmHg) and lower muscle function (0.5 ± 0.0 m/s) compared with nonsarcopenic subjects (n = 87) (53.7 ± 1.5 mmHg; 0.9 ± 0.0 m/s) (P < 0.05). Linear regression analysis demonstrated a significantly negative association between skeletal muscle index (SMI) and PP levels (β = −226, P < 0.05). Furthermore, sarcopenic older women showed a 3.1-fold increased risk of having higher PP levels compared with nonsarcopenic women (IC = 1.323–7.506) (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Sarcopenic older women showed lower muscle function and higher cardiovascular risk due to increased PP levels compared with nonsarcopenic subjects.