Sarcopenia has been subject of study for some years, been defined by some international consensuses. A lack of pattern in ways to assess the syn-drome, with a great variability of methods and cutoff points, used to make harder the data compilation in systematic reviews, with meta-analyses, and even in the clinical practice.

to compare the methods for evaluating sarcopenia in older people, demonstrating the relationship of each test with its peers for the same criteria diagnostic.

Cross-sectional study, where older people were assessed for: muscle strength, by handgrip and isokinetic dynamometers; body composition, by BIA, skinfolds, mid-arm and calf circumferences; physical performance by six-minute walk test, TUG and SPPB. The qualitative variables were expressed in absolute and relative frequency, the quantitative were presented in mean+SD, median and IQR. The correlations were assessed by Spearman's Correlation Coefficient, accepted as low when r>0,1; moder-ate when r>0,3, and high when r>0,5. The p-value <0,05 was adopted as significant.

78.31% were women, the average age was 67,85+5,27 years. In strength assessments was found moderate correlation between Handgrip and quadriceps PT, and high with hamstrings PT. PT assessments showed high relation between them. SMM showed a high correlation with FFM, and a low correlation with CC and MAC. FFM showed high correlation with all body composition assessments. In physical performance, UGS had moderate correlation with SPPB and high with TUG. TUG showed low correlation with SPPB. UGS.

For strength, handgrip showed the best correlation, even needing more prospective studies. The chair stand test did not show relationship with other techniques, and it may be because of other variables than strength only, as balance and power output. For body composition, BIA showed the best correlations, as expected. Skinfold, calf circumference and MAC could be a good choice for this criterion, because they have good correlation, low cost, and are fast to develop. For physical performance, UGS seems to be the best assessment, although SPPB and TUG showed some correlations. Is important to note that, for these criteria, the choice of assessment method may affect the result of sarcopenia severity.

Studies like this used to clarify the use of certain assessment and diagnostic techniques. With this study, for this sample, we were able to demonstrate the power of comparability of the instruments available for the diagnosis of sarcopenia in older people, thus facilitating the clinical practice of health professionals.