Calcaneal Broadband Ultrasound Attenuation Predicts Physical Capability: Epic-Norfolk Prospective Population-Based Study

•In this study, low broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) measures of calcaneum were associated with decreased future physical capability.•There were stark differences in BUA, physical capability and associations between BUA and physical capability between the sexes.•BUA could be used to stratify individuals at risk of age-related deterioration of physical health as a simple, easy-to-use clinical assessment tool at a population level.