Abstract
BackgroundSarcopenia is defined as the age-related decline in skeletal muscle mass and function. The risk factors and causes of sarcopenia must be identified to develop prevention and treatment strategies for this syndrome. Our aim was to examine the association between sarcopenia with lifestyle and family function among community-dwelling Chinese people aged 60 years and older.MethodsWe conducted this study to evaluate sarcopenia among 834 community-dwelling Chinese individuals aged ≥60 years using the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) criteria. The sociodemographic characteristics, food consumption patterns, habits of smoking, and alcohol consumption of the participants were collected using a general questionnaire, whereas physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ; long-form version). Family function was assessed using the Family APGAR scale. In addition, the association of sarcopenia with lifestyle and family function was examined using univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsThe total prevalence rate of sarcopenia was 10.6%. Female participants with sarcopenia had a lower frequency per week of nut consumption than those without sarcopenia (p < 0.05), whereas, for male participants, the differences in food consumption patterns of those with sarcopenia versus those without sarcopenia were not significant. Among the participants, the mean Family APGAR score was 8 (standard deviation [SD] = 0.92). For both sexes, participants with sarcopenia had lower family function scores than those without sarcopenia. In the multivariate model, after adjustment for all covariates, frequency per week of nut consumption (adjusted OR 0.724, 95% CI 0.532–0.985, P < 0.05) and Family APGAR score (adjusted OR 0.683, 95% CI 0.496–0.940, P = 0.019) were statistically significantly associated with sarcopenia. The relationship between other lifestyle habits and sarcopenia was not significant.ConclusionThere was significant association between sarcopenia with intake of nuts and family function. Further studies should evaluate if adequate intake of nuts and a well-functioning family may be effective in lowering the risk of sarcopenia.
Highlights
IntroductionSarcopenia is defined as the age-related decline in skeletal muscle mass and function
Sarcopenia is defined as the age-related decline in skeletal muscle mass and function [1], which may result in falls, physical disabilities, fracture, loss of dependence, poor quality of life and increased risk of death in older people [2]
Participants with the following conditions were excluded from the study: (1) physical disabilities such as loss of hand or foot or limbs; (2) an implanted electronic device or orthopedic metal implantations. (3) unable to perform the handgrip strength test or walking test;(4)dementia and unable to communicate with interviewers; or (5) later stages of malignancies with cachexia; A total of 848 persons aged ≥60 years were recruited from the community population of Chengdu from August 2014 to July 2015
Summary
Sarcopenia is defined as the age-related decline in skeletal muscle mass and function. Our aim was to examine the association between sarcopenia with lifestyle and family function among community-dwelling Chinese people aged 60 years and older. Sarcopenia is defined as the age-related decline in skeletal muscle mass and function [1], which may result in falls, physical disabilities, fracture, loss of dependence, poor quality of life and increased risk of death in older people [2]. Other lifestyle habits such as chronic alcohol consumption and smoking may promote loss of muscle mass and strength in old age indicating that they may be risk factors for sarcopenia [7, 8]. Limited studies have reported on the prevalence and risk factors of sarcopenia in Chinese adults, in community-dwelling individuals
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