| Abstract: | Objective.?To test the relationship between gonadal status and objective measures and determinants of physical performance in older men and their determinants.Methods.?The study included 455?≥?65 year older men of InCHIANTI study, Italy, with complete data on testosterone levels, hand grip strength, cross-sectional muscle area (CSMA), short physical performance battery (SPPB). Linear models were used to test the relationship between gonadal status and determinants of physical performance.Results.?Three different groups of older men were created: (1) severely hypogonadal (N?=?23), total testosterone levels ≤230?ng /dl; (2) moderately hypogonadal (N?=?88), total testosterone >230 and?N?=?344), testosterone levels ≥350?ng/dl. With increased severity of hypogonadal status, participants were significantly older while their BMI was substantially similar. In the age and BMI adjusted analysis, there was a significant difference in haemoglobin levels, hand grip strength and SPPB score (p for trend?p for trend?=?0.004) and haemoglobin (p for trend?Conclusions.?In older men, gonadal status is independently associated with some determinants (haemoglobin and muscle strength) of physical performance. |
