Associations between Severity of Lower Extremity Arterial Disease with Intermittent Claudication, Sarcopenia and Motor Function

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the prevalence of sarcopenia and the association between disease severity and motor function in patients with lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD) with intermittent claudication. [Participants and Methods] Thirty-eight patients with LEAD participated in this study. Parameters such as the skeletal muscle mass index, grip strength, gait velocity, 6-minute walking distance (6MWD), and knee extension strength were quantified. Sarcopenia was evaluated in accordance with the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 criteria. The participants were divided into Fontaine stage IIa and IIb groups to examine variations in disease severity. [Results] The prevalence of sarcopenia in LEAD patients was found to be 40%. Grip strength, gait velocity, knee extension strength, and 6MWD were significantly lower in group IIb than in group IIa. [Conclusion] The prevalence of comorbid sarcopenia among patients with LEAD was found to be quite substantial, with a correlation observed between the severity of the disease and motor function.