Objectively measured physical capability levels and mortality: systematic review and meta-analysis

To do a quantitative systematic review, including published and unpublished data, examining the associations between individual objective measures of physical capability (grip strength, walking speed, chair rising, and standing balance times) and mortality in community dwelling populations.

Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: Relevant studies published by May 2009 identified through literature searches using Embase (from 1980) and Medline (from 1950) and manual searching of reference lists; unpublished results were obtained from study investigators. STUDY SELECTION: Eligible observational studies were those done in community dwelling people of any age that examined the association of at least one of the specified measures of physical capability (grip strength, walking speed, chair rises, or standing balance) with mortality. DATA SYNTHESIS: Effect estimates obtained were pooled by using random effects meta-analysis models with heterogeneity between studies investigated.