Prevalence estimation of sarcopenia using bioelectrical impedance analysis in elderly people in Lahore

Abstract

Sarcopenia is the loss of muscle mass and strength, or both, and physiological functions through aging. Early detection of muscle weakness results in better care and interventions regarding dietary habits and protein intake in older adults. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of sarcopenia in a Pakistani population and to correlate dietary habits and lifestyle with the prevalence of sarcopenia. A sample size of 150 individuals, both male and female, of age sixty and above was used. Cardiovascular disease and renal failure patients were excluded. The research field was the community of Lahore. Muscle power was calculated using a handgrip strength dynamometer, and gait speed was calculated using a pedometer. After screening, muscle mass was calculated using bioelectrical impedance analysis, from which sarcopenia was diagnosed. In the age group of 60–65 years, 123 individuals (82%) had low muscle strength and 93 (83%) had low muscle mass. In the age group of 66–70 years, 15 individuals (83.3%) had low muscle strength. In the age group of 71–75 years, 9 individuals (90%) had low muscle strength. The percentage of low muscle strength in the age group of 76+ years was 100%. The percentage of severe sarcopenia was 6%, and moderate sarcopenia was approximately 10% for individuals 60 years of age and older. The prevalence rates of sarcopenia were 21.53% in males and 11.76% in females. Sarcopenia is an emerging health issue in older adults, and early detection and lifestyle modification will lead to a better health outcome and correlate dietary habits and lifestyle with the prevalence of sarcopenia.