Jumping Power: A Better Test For Sarcopenia Than Muscle Strength

In a study from the Department of Health and Exercise Science at the University of Oklahoma, Singh et al. examined the relationship between jumping power, muscle strength and sarcopenia (the loss of muscle mass seen with aging and illness). Sarcopenia is often seen with osteoporosis and leads to weakness with an increased risk for falls and fractures.

This study is fascinating because it showed that individuals with

sarcopenia had significantly lower jumping power but not necessarily lower muscle strength when compared to individuals without sarcopenia. "Based on our findings, JPow [jumping power] may be useful for sarcopenia screening in the middle-aged and older adults; however, more research is needed to determine the utility of this method in clinical populations." [No...their method did not include having men and women 55 to 75 years of age jump over cows.]

Singh, H, et al. 2013. Jump test performance and sarcopenia status in men and women, 55 to 75 years of age. J Geriatr Phys Ther August 16. [Epub ahead of print]