Comparative Analysis of Frailty Risk and Associated Factors: Community-Based vs. Open Recruitment Groups.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Frailty leads to vulnerability to stress, impaired daily functioning, and an increased need for care. Frailty is considered reversible, and it is crucial to detect the risk of frailty early and investigate factors that may delay its progression. OBJECTIVES: To identify tests that can explain frailty risk and compare the situation of local residents with and without frailty support. METHODS: Participants were recruited in two ways through public advertisements in Akita City (open recruitment group) and through invites from frailty supporters in their immediate communities (community-based group). We examined the differences in frailty risk and oral, motor, and social functions between the two groups and identified factors associated with frailty risk in both groups. RESULTS: The community-based group exhibited a lower risk of frailty than the open recruitment group despite having more older members on average. Additionally, the community-based group demonstrated better social functioning than the open-recruitment group. Furthermore, factors such as oral diadochokinesis (ODK), one-leg stand test (OLS), and grip strength (GS) showed significant association with frailty risk. CONCLUSION: The ODK, OLS, and GS were identified as factors explaining frailty risk, and Frailty Supporters may reduce the risk of frailty.