Ageing & Longevity · Jul 16, 2026
A two-test battery to screen for frailty, sarcopenia, and fall risk using validated diagnostic tools
By Yena L, Khrystoforova G, Garkavenko O et al.
Numerous questionnaires and objective tests have been developed to screen for physical geriatric syndromes. Their simplicity, ease of use, and clinical utility determine their potential for use in geriatric practice. We developed a simple set of tests to screen for major physical geriatric syndromes in older adults based on validated methods for physical performance assessment. A total of 148 functionally independent patients aged 50–89 (mean age 71.3 ± 8.8 years) with essential hypertension and comorbid age-related pathology participated in this cross-sectional study. The Fried frailty phenotype, the FRAIL scale, the SARC-F, and the Desmond Fall Risk Questionnaire were used to screen for frailty, sarcopenia, and fall risk. Objective physical performance was assessed using a panel of tests, including the one-leg balance test (with eyes open and closed), the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and gait speed (GS) over a 4-meter distance. The TUG test and the one-leg balance test with eyes open were found to be the most informative. The TUG test was the clearest indicator for frailty (Wilks' λ = 0.93, approximate F(1, 109) = 8.25, p < 0.0049; sensitivity 52.3%, specificity 74%, predictive efficiency 62%) and sarcopenia (Wilks' λ = 0.89, approximate F(1, 109) = 13.06, p < 0.0005; sensitivity 44%, specificity 82.2%, predictive efficiency 79.3%). The one-leg balance test with eyes open showed the greatest utility for assessing the risk of falls (Wilks' λ = 0.84, approximate F(1.109) = 15.83, p < 0.0001; sensitivity 75.8%, specificity 81%) and frailty (Wilks' λ = 0.93, approximate F(1.109) = 7.78, p < 0.0062; sensitivity 75.8%, specificity 56.3%, predictive value 73%). A two-test battery was developed to screen for major physical geriatric syndromes. The TUG test, which characterizes dynamic balance, is highly useful for identifying frailty and sarcopenia risk. The single-leg balance test with eyes open, measuring static balance, has proven effective in predicting the risk of falls and possible frailty.