Association Among Calf Circumference, Physical Performance, and Depression in the Elderly Chinese Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Depression and sarcopenia are common diseases in the elderly population. However, the association between them is controversial. Based on the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) database, a cross-sectional study was conducted to explore the relationship between calf circumference, physical performance, and depression.Methods: From the 8th wave of CLHLS conducted in 2018, data on calf circumference, physical performance, depressive symptoms, and demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related characteristics were collected. A statistical analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between calf circumference, physical performance, and depressive symptoms. Confounding factors were adjusted for in the multiple logistic regression analysis.Results: A total of 12,227 participants, including 5689 (46.5%) men and 6538 (53.5%) women (mean age, 83.4 years), were included in this study. After adjusting for confounding factors, the association between calf circumference and depression disappeared (odds ratio [OR] = 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.92–1.17, p = 0.58). However, a significant inverse correlation persisted between physical performance and depressive symptoms (OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.13–1.20, p＜0.001). The subgroup analysis revealed a significant association of calf circumference (OR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.04–1.62, p = 0.02) and physical performance (OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.08–1.22, p < 0.001) with depression in the regular exercise group.Conclusions: Physical performance was significantly associated with depression in the elderly Chinese population. Attention should be paid to assess depressive symptoms in patients with poor muscle condition.