Comorbidity, Cognition, Gait Speed, and Respiratory Muscle Strength in Older Adults

This cross-sectional observational study aims to examine the associations of comorbidity burden and cognitive function with gait speed and respiratory muscle strength in community-dwelling adults aged 60 years and older. The relationships of physical activity level and functional mobility with these outcomes will also be investigated. Participants will complete interview-based questionnaires, cognitive assessments, and non-invasive measurements of gait speed, functional mobility, handgrip strength, and respiratory muscle strength during a single study visit. The Strength, Assistance with walking, Rise from a chair, Climb stairs, and Falls (SARC-F) questionnaire will also be administered to provide descriptive information about possible sarcopenia risk; however, no diagnosis or classification of sarcopenia will be performed. No treatment or experimental intervention will be administered.

Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 60 years or older * Living in the community * Able to communicate sufficiently to participate in the study assessments * Willing and able to provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Severe cognitive impairment that prevents completion of the study assessments * Presence of an acute infection at the time of assessment * Severe cardiac failure * Severe respiratory failure * End-stage disease