Age-associated risk of sarcopenia, falls and fractures: results of Ukrainian cohort study

Abstract

Background Nowadays, it is well-known that sarcopenia increases the risk of falls and fractures, and therefore, requires correction in order to improve the quality and duration of life of elderly people. Most of the early performed studies were conducted among community-dwelling subjects without stratification by ethnicity. This research aimed to study the age-related changes in the sarcopenia risk, falls, and fractures in Ukrainian women in the late reproductive and postmenopausal periods. Materials and Methods In the one-center cohort study we examined 573 females aged from 40 to 89 years old. For the analysis, the subjects were grouped by age decades and presence of high sarcopenia risk (HSR). The sarcopenia risk was measured by Strength, assistance with walking, rising from a chair, climbing stairs, and falls (SARC-F) questionnaire, the risk of falls using the Desmond Fall Risk Questionnaire, 10-year probability of major osteoporotic and hip fractures was assessed by Fracture Risk Assessment Tool, and daily activity – according to the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale. Also, we measured the hand grip strength and performed a five-repetition sit-to-stand test. Results The frequency of HSR increased with age from 1.5% in the 40-49-year-old group to 73.7% in the subjects over 80 years old, as well as fracture and fall risks (p ˂ 0.00001 for both indices) that were related to decreasing of independence in subjects everyday life. Also, we revealed age-dependent loss of muscle strength according to the hand grip and the five-repetition sit-to-stand test. After the adjustment of the subjects by age we found that the females with HSR had a higher risk of falls, a lower level of independence, and increased frequency and risk of osteoporotic fractures. Conclusion Women with HSR have a higher risk of falls, fractures, and more limitations in daily living activities independently from age and body mass index. These findings request comprehensive management of older women with attention to various parameters for the increase of independence and quality of life.