Relationship Between Locomotive Syndrome and Body Composition in Community-Dwelling Taiwanese Elderly People

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between locomotive syndrome (LS) and the physical characteristics of Taiwanese elderly people. Materials and Methods: Seventy-six untrained Taiwanese elderly individuals (31 male; mean age, 70.0 ± 7.1 years) were included in this study. Three functional tests, namely the Stand-Up test, Two-Step, and 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale, were used to assess the risk of LS. A total of 70 subjects were included in the LS group, while the other six subjects were included in the control (non-LS) group. Body composition (weight, body fat, muscle mass) was determined via bioelectrical impedance analysis using a domestic body composition analyzer. Body mass index and skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) were calculated. The binomial logistic regression analysis was performed with the presence/absence of LS as the dependent variable. Results: The prevalence of LS was 92.1% (26 male and 44 female) in this study. Body weight, muscle mass, and SMI were significantly lower in the LS group compared with the non-LS group. The body fat percentage in the LS group was significantly higher than that in the non-LS group. Logistic regression analysis showed that muscle mass was significantly related to LS (odds ratio = 0.824, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Community-dwelling Taiwanese elderly people who fulfill the diagnostic criteria for LS have lower muscle mass and higher body fat percentage. In particular, the decrease in muscle mass may be an effective indicator of increased risk of LS.