Frailty Assessment Protocol in Adults

We used the free online calculator specific for men and women to calculate both continuous and categorical frailty scores based on the answers to four self-report questions and grip strength measurement [12 (link)]. Fatigue was measured as a yes/no response to whether the respondent has too little energy to complete desired tasks. Appetite was measusured as self-reported food intake over the last month (diminished, same, or increased). Weakness was assessed by two repetitions of grip dynamometry on each hand using a Jamar dynamometer (Lafayette Instruments, USA). Walking difficulties were assessed by self-report of the ability to walk 100 m and climb one flight of stairs. Physical activity was measured via self-report of frequency of engagement in low to moderately intense physical activities.