Abstract
BackgroundAssociation of frailty with adverse clinical outcomes has been reported in Western countries, but data from the Asian population are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiology of frailty among community-dwelling middle-aged and elderly population and to explore its association with musculoskeletal health in Taiwan.MethodsI-Lan Longitudinal Aging Study (ILAS) data were retrieved for this study. Frailty was defined by the Fried’s criteria; a comparison of demographic characteristics, physical performance, and body composition, including skeletal muscle mass and bone mineral density (BMD), as well as recent falls, history of hip fractures and the functional status of subjects with different frailty statuses were accomplished.ResultsOverall, the data of 1,839 participants (mean age: 63.9±9.3 years, male 47.5%) were obtained for analysis. The prevalence of pre-frailty was 42.3% in men and 38.8% in women, whereas the prevalence of frailty was 6.9% and 6.7% in men and women, respectively. Frailty was significantly associated with older age, the male gender, larger waist circumference, lower skeletal muscle index, lower hip BMD, poorer physical function, poorer nutritional status, and poorer cognitive function. Also, frailty was significantly associated with osteoporosis (OR: 7.73, 95% CI: 5.01–11.90, p<0.001), history of hip fractures (OR: 8.66, 95% CI: 2.47–30.40, p = 0.001), and recent falls (O.R: 2.53, 95% CI: 1.35–4.76, p = 0.004).ConclusionsFrailty and pre-frailty, in Taiwan, was closely associated with recent falls, history of hip fractures and osteoporosis among community-dwelling people 50 years of age and older. Furthermore, frailty intervention programs should take an integrated approach towards strengthening both and muscle mass, as well as prevention of falls.
Highlights
Frailty is a well-recognized geriatric syndrome,[1] which features the loss of function, loss of physiologic reserve, and an increased vulnerability to diseases and death.[2]
Frailty was significantly associated with older age, the male gender, larger waist circumference, lower skeletal muscle index, lower hip bone mineral density (BMD), poorer physical function, poorer nutritional status, and poorer cognitive function
Frailty was significantly associated with osteoporosis (OR: 7.73, 95% CI: 5.01–11.90, p
Summary
Frailty is a well-recognized geriatric syndrome,[1] which features the loss of function, loss of physiologic reserve, and an increased vulnerability to diseases and death.[2]. Previous studies have disclosed that frailty was associated with the decline in lean muscle mass, bone mass and the presence of sarcopenia,[16,17,18] which may result in a greater negative impact on older people These associations have been reported in previous studies, little is known regarding the association among Asian populations. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of frailty among the community-dwelling middle aged and elderly population in Taiwan, and to explore the associations of frailty and musculoskeletal health.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
