Association between Self-Reported Fatigue and Sarcopenia Measures among Elderly in Selangor, Malaysia

Abstract

The association between fatigue and sarcopenia is not well understood, therefore, this study aimed to compare the sarcopenia measures among elderly with mild and severe fatigue and to determine whether fatigue severity is associated with sarcopenia measures. This was a cross-sectional study conducted on201 elderly (age = 68.45±6.30 years). The elderly was classified into either mild or severe fatigue based on the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), meanwhile, sarcopenia measures include SARC-F score, muscle mass (ASM/height2), calf circumference (CC), upper (handgrip) and lower limb muscle strength, as well as physical performance (gait speed). Data were analyzed using independent t-tests and logistic regression. The results showed that elderly with severe fatigue were significantly older, with lower muscle strength, and slower gait speed (all p-value <0.05). After adjusting for age, fatigue severity remained significantly associated with SARC-F score (OR = 1.583, 95% CI = 1.262-1.986, p-value = 0.001) and CC (OR = 1.103, 95% CI = 1.014-1.200, p-value = 0.022). Moreover,when the SARC-F score was removed from the regression model, fatigue severity was significantly associated with CC (OR = 1.088, 95% CI = 1.006-1.178, p-value = 0.036) and gait speed (OR = 0.011, 95% CI = 0.001-0.168, p-value = 0.001). Based on the results, fatigue severity is associated with SARC-F score, CC, and gait speed, therefore, interventions targeted at sarcopenia measures is recommended to optimize physical endurance in the elderly.

Fatigue in older persons: the role of nutrition

“…low gait speed) is used to determine sarcopenia severity (24) . Recently, Justine et al (33) reported associations of fatigue severity (assessed with the fatigue severity scale) with the SARC-F questionnaire (acronym for the poor Strength, need of Assistance with walking, impaired Rising from a chair, difficulty at Climbing stairs and history of Falls), calf circumference, muscle strength and gait speed. Wyness et al (34) found an association of low gait speed with higher scores for physical fatigue, reduced activity and reduced motivation.…”