Inflammatory Markers and Physical Performance in Older Persons: The InCHIANTI Study

Some studies have proposed chronic inflammation as an underlying biological mechanism responsible for physical function decline in elderly people. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between several inflammatory markers and physical performance in an older population.

This study is part of the "Invecchiare in Chianti" (InCHIANTI) study, a prospective population-based study of older people, aimed at identifying risk factors for late-life disability. The study sample consisted of 1020 participants aged 65 years and older living in the Chianti area of Italy. Physical performance was assessed using walking speed, the chair-stand test, and the standing balance test. Hand-grip strength was assessed using a hand-held dynamometer. Serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), IL-10, IL-1beta, IL-6sR, and IL-1RA were determined. Linear regression analyses were used to assess the multivariate relationship of inflammatory marker levels with physical performance, scored as a continuous variable from 0 to 3, and hand-grip strength after adjustment for demographics, chronic conditions, medication use, and other biological variables.