Functional Assessment

Assessment of muscle function plays a role in identifying the need for early active nutrition interventions and monitoring clinical effectiveness of nutrition interventions, particularly in high‐risk patients. Hand grip strength is a marker for functional capacity, malnutrition and correlates strongly with clinical outcomes. Knee extensor testing measures lower limb strength. Gait speed test is widely used in clinical practice and assesses physical performance and endurance of participants over short or long distances. Sit‐to‐stand test assesses strength and function and has been described as a useful ‘functional milestone’ as patients recover. In timed‐up‐and‐go test, participants are asked to stand up from a chair, walk for 3m, turn around and sit down again. Timing commences when the participant is told to ‘go’ and stops when the participant returns to sit down on the chair.