Insulin-like growth factor 1 and functional status in healthy older men.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is associated with strength and functional ability in healthy older men.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
San Francisco Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.


METHODS
One hundred four ambulatory community-dwelling men.


METHODS
Serum IGF-1 levels were obtained. Measured variables included strength of the knee flexors and extensors, handgrip, score on the Physical Performance Test, body composition, and three tests of cognitive function.


RESULTS
The subjects' mean age was 75.5 +/- 4.9 (SD) years (range 70-94 years), and their mean IGF-1 level was 134.7 +/- 43.6 ng/mL. The univariate association of age with the variables was much stronger than the univariate association of IGF-1 with the same variables. In multivariable models, age, but not IGF-1, was associated with the variables.


CONCLUSIONS
In this study of healthy older men, age is the most important variable in predicting functional decline. There was no association of IGF-1 levels to functional status independent of age.
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000097:blood*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001823:Body Composition; D003071:Cognition; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D018737:Hand Strength; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000032:analysis*; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests
D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I