Age-associated risk of sarcopenia, falls and fractures: results of Ukrainian cohort study

Abstract

Background. It is well-known that sarcopenia increases the risk of falls and fractures, and therefore, requires correction to improve the quality of life of elderly people. This research purposed to study the age-related changes in the sarcopenia risk, falls, and fractures in Ukrainian women in the late reproductive and postmenopausal periods. Materials and methods. We examined 573 females aged from 40 to 89 years old. The subjects were grouped by age decades and presence of high sarcopenia risk (HSR). The SARC-F questionnaire measured the sarcopenia risk, and the risk of falls using the Desmond Fall Risk Questionnaire, the 10-year probability of major osteoporotic and hip fractures was assessed by FRAX, and daily activity — according to the IADL scale. Also, we performed the hand grip strength and five-repetition sit-to-stand tests. Results. The frequency of HSR increased with age from 1.5 % in the 40–49-year-old group to 73.7 % in subjects over 80, as well as fracture and fall risks (p < 0.00001 for both indices) related to decreasing independence in the subject’s everyday life. Also, we revealed age-dependent loss of muscle strength according to the hand grip and the five-repetition sit-to-stand tests. After the adjustment of the subjects by age we found that the females with HSR had a higher risk of falls, a lower level of independence, and increased frequency and risk of osteoporotic fractures. Conclusions. Women with HSR have a higher risk of falls, fractures, and more limitations in daily living activities independently from age and body mass index. These findings request comprehensive management of older women with attention to various parameters for the increase of independence and quality of life.