Testosterone serum levels in elderly fall-prone men do not correlate with age or performance in the 30 seconds chair stand test

Abstract

Background & aims. Multiple studies have shown associations between low testosterone, declining physical function and cognition, metabolic syndrome, depression, falls, and even mortality, and the benefits of reestablishing the level of testosterone in elderly men with deficiency. The purpose of the study was to decide who of such men might benefit from further geriatric assessment, intervention by training, testosterone injections, and how to get in touch with these gentlemen. Method. Testosterone was measured in men above 70 years old who experienced a decline in safety of mobility. Participants were recruited through advertisements in local newspapers. Men who walk unsteadily, are about to fall or have been falling, who experience that they are getting weaker or have deteriorated physical health, were questioned about symptoms and diseases, supplied with total testosterone measurements and a 30 seconds chair stand test. Results. 177 men were screened. Mean age 77.7 (70-95). Total testosterone mean value = 12.1 (4.3-17.0 nmol/l). Chair stand tests did not correlate with testosterone levels, p = 0.98, neither did testosterone levels correlate with age, p = 0.65, (Spearman). Conclusions. The important fact is that the gentlemen themselves experience a physical decline confirmed through a thorough conversation. We still do not know for sure how to identify men who might profit from further examination but a testosterone blood test and a chair stand test in men above 70 years old who experience increasing frailty will be a start.