Functional Sarcopenia Biomarkers In 56 To 80 -Yr Old- Men And Women

Abstract

PURPOSE: Age-associated loss of skeletal muscle mass and function has considerable importance for those activities related with disease prevention, health promotion, and care planning. The aim of the study was to examine several biomarkers of sarcopenia in older women, and its relation to functional deterioration METHODS: Body composition, muscle strength, and gait performance indicators were measured in 179 healthy women (56 to 76 -yr- old) to examine the relationship among those parameters as biomarkers of functional sarcopenia. All subjects were carefully familiarized with the evaluation tests. First, morphological variables such as lean/ heigth2 (kg/m2), appendicular lean/ heigth2 (kg/m2), lean body mass (% LBM), and others were estimated by Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Second, functional indicators related to explosive force (power, take-off time, flight time, and maximum height achieved) were evaluated using a contact equipment. Third, isometric strength was tested by handgrip dynamometer. Finally, fast gait performance was evaluated using different indicators (distance, velocity, stride length, double support, contact phase, propulsion phase, velocity displacement) by photocell system. RESULTS: Using two criteria, prevalences of sarcopenia were 57% (Lean/ Heigth2 (kg/m2); 95%-CI: 0,48-0,65), and 42% (Appendicular Lean/ Heigth2 (kg/m2); 95%-IC: 0,34-0,51). Nevertheless, a low prevalence to handgrip strength (16%, 95%-CI: 0.10-0.24) and gait performance (8.72%, 95%-CI: 0.05-0.14) were observed, contrary to power deterioration of lower limbs (31%, 95% CI: 0,22-0,41). Also, those subjects with lower levels of explosive strength (odds ratio (OR): 4.66 (95% CI: 1.098 to 12.561; P0.05) had risk of having a higher adiposity level (≥25%), and lower results of fast gait performance. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a wide variety of tests and tools is now available for characterization of sarcopenia in practice and in research, health professionals must be careful to avoid an inadequate clinical and functional diagnosis.