Influence of muscle mass and bone mass on the mobility of elderly women: an observational study

Abstract

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of muscle mass and bone mineral density on markers of mobility in dwelling elderly women.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 99 elderly women, who were 65 years old or above, in Campinas-SP, Brazil. To collect data, we used sociodemographic data, the body mass index (BMI), health status, comorbidities, use of medications, mobility tests (TUG and gait speed) and examinations of the body composition (densitometry with dual-emission X-ray absorptiometry “DXA”). In order to examine the relationship between muscle and bone mass with mobility (gait speed and TUG), we applied the Spearman correlation coefficient.Also was applied the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) adjusted for age and comorbidities. To identify the factors associated with mobility, we used the univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The level of significance for statistical tests was P < 0.05.ResultsThe correlation between sarcopenia and bone mineral density with mobility tests showed a significant relationship only between sarcopenia and TUG (r = 0.277, P = 0.006) in Spearman correlation coefficient. The result of the correlation analysis (ANCOVA) showed that sarcopenia was associated with gait speed (r2 = 0.0636, P = 0.0018) and TUG (r2 = 0.0898, P = 0.0027). The results of the multivariate analysis showed that age (P = 0.034, OR = 1.081) was associated with worse performance on gait speed. By highlighting the TUG test, the results of the multivariate analysis showed that the age (P = 0.004, OR = 1.111) and BMI in overweight (P = 0.011, OR = 7.83) and obese (P < 0.001, OR = 7.84) women were associated with lower performance of the functionality of the lower limbs.ConclusionThe findings with regard to mobility tests which were analyzed in this study indicate the association of variables related to the aging process that contribute to the decline in physical performance, for example, age, BMI and sarcopenia.

Prevalence of sarcopenia in older Brazilians: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…Despite the mean age of older Brazilians in the present review being close to 71 years, it has been suggested that Brazilians have a higher body mass and skeletal muscle mass index relative to older Germans, leading to lower prevalence of sarcopenia in Brazil. 36,40,52,60 In the USA study, the higher mean age of their sample and concomitant changes in body composition likely explain the similarity with Brazil, as the prevalence of sarcopenia in older Americans proved to be much lower using the EWGSOP recommendation.…”

“…A total of 19 studies (60%) identified sarcopenia based only on criteria for low muscle mass, where 15 of those used DEXA to assess muscle mass, and 12 studies used DEXA and Baumgartner's criteria to identify sarcopenia. One study (3%) identified sarcopenia based only on criteria for low muscle function .…”

“…A total of 19 studies (60%) 24,25,30,[37][38][39][40][41]43,44,46,48,49,[54][55][56][57]59,61 identified sarcopenia based only on criteria for low muscle mass, where 15 of those 24,25,37,[39][40][41]43,44,46,[54][55][56][57]59,61 used DEXA to assess muscle mass, and 12 studies 24,25,[39][40][41]43,44,46,55,56,59,61 used DEXA and Baumgartner's criteria to identify sarcopenia. One study (3%) identified sarcopenia based only on criteria for low muscle function.…”

Relation among 25(OH)D, aquatic exercises, and multifunctional fitness on functional performance of elderly women from the community

“…The geriatric population is more sensitive to hypovitaminosis D for several reasons, including low sun exposure and reduction of vitamin D capacity by cutaneous production (1). Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations and sedentary lifestyles are associated with changes in functional mobility, increasing the risks of falls and fragility (2,3). Moreover, low levels of 25(OH)D for the elderly may have significant relationship in the reduction of neuromuscular coordination (1,4).…”

Upper and lower limb functionality and body mass index in physically active older adults

“…Older adults with restricted mobility display greater rates of falls, chronic diseases, dependence, depression and death. Thus, assessing sarcopenia through physical performance measures is important in order to prevent or postpone the appearance of frailty and the occurrence of mortality among older adults (7,8).…”