ASSOCIATION BETWEEN THE SARC-F SCORE AND FUNCTIONAL INDEPENDENCE IN OLDER ADULTS HOSPITALIZED FOR HIP FRACTURE

Abstract

Background: Functional impairment is highly prevalent among older adults hospitalized for hip fracture and is strongly associated with adverse outcomes. The SARC-F questionnaire has been proposed as a simple screening tool for sarcopenia; however, its association with objective measures of functional independence in acute hospital settings remains insufficiently explored. Objective: To investigate the association between the SARC-F score and functional independence in older adults hospitalized for hip fracture. Material and Methods: This retrospective observational study included 330 adults aged ≥ 65 years who underwent surgical treatment for hip fracture at a university hospital between January 2024 and November 2025. Functional assessment was performed within 12 to 84 h of admission. Clinical variables included age, sex, body mass index, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and dementia. Functional measures included the Barthel Index, handgrip strength, calf circumference, phase angle, and SARC-F score. Correlation analyses and multiple linear regression were performed, adjusting for age, sex, and CCI. Results: The SARC-F score showed a strong negative correlation with the Barthel Index (r = −0.72; p < 0.001) and a moderate correlation with handgrip strength (r = −0.40; p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, each 1-point increase in SARC-F was associated with a 2.85-point reduction in the Barthel Index (95% CI, −3.45 to −2.24; p < 0.001), independent of confounders. The adjusted model explained 45% of the variance in functional independence (adjusted R² = 0.45). Conclusion: The SARC-F score is strongly and independently associated with functional impairment in older adults hospitalized for hip fracture, supporting its use as a rapid and clinically useful tool for early risk stratification and rehabilitation planning.