Cut‐off points of quadriceps strength, declines and relationships of sarcopenia‐related variables among Thai community‐dwelling older adults

Abstract

Aim:To define quadriceps strength cut-off points for both sexes to be used in the working diagnosis of sarcopenia in older Asian people, and to investigate the age-related declines of sarcopenia-related variables and correlations between those variables among community-dwelling older adults. Methods:The present 3-year prospective study was a part of the Bangkok Longitudinal Study by Siriraj Hospital for Older Men and Women. Data on 2149 participants aged ≥60 years were included in this analysis. Results:The quadriceps strength cut-off points, identified based on mobility decline over 2 years of follow up, were 18.0 kg for men and 16.0 kg for women. When these cut-off points were applied to the whole population aged ≥60 years (n = 950), the low quadriceps strength group had poorer results on all clinical variables when compared with the normal quadriceps strength group. Although nearly all of the sarcopenia-related variables declined over 2 years of follow up in both older men and women, more significant differences between age groups were seen in older women. Quadriceps strength had the highest degree of correlation with total lean body mass in all age groups (r = 0.550-0.584, P < 0.001), followed by the 6-min walk test in all age groups (r = 0.449-0.516, P < 0.001). Conclusions:The quadriceps strength cut-off points of 18.0 kg for older men and 16.0 kg for older women would be useful as a muscle strength measurement for use in any diagnostic algorithm; for example, sarcopenia diagnosis in older Asian people. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14 (Suppl. 1): 61-68.

A cross-sectional study of the association between dynapenia and higher-level functional capacity in daily living in community-dwelling older adults in Japan

“…The reason for this was that there was a risk of dynapenia in all participants, whose average age was 75.4 ± 5.2 years. Also, I used a cut off value exhibited in Asia [21] thought to be a frame and the muscular strength similar to Japanese. But the appropriate cut-off value is not yet clear, and whether it is necessary to compensate by weight or height are necessary verifications.…”

“…The values were calculated as described by Assantachai et al [21], who monitored 2149 men and women over 60 years of age for a period of 2 years.…”

Vitamin D Supplementation Improves Quality of Life and Physical Performance in Osteoarthritis Patients

“…Physical activity was evaluated using the Thai version of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Elderly Japanese (PAQ-EJ). PAQ-EJ physical activity measurements mirror patterns of daily activity among elderly Thai and other elderly Asian people [ 17 ]. PAQ-EJ scores were converted to metabolic equivalent of task (MET) hours per week (MET h/week) [ 18 ].…”

Relationships between serum brain‐derived neurotrophic factor concentration and parameters for health scores in community‐dwelling older adults

“…10 Therefore, the thickness of the quadriceps muscle is influenced by the activities of daily living in individuals. Assantachai et al reported close relationships between quadriceps strength and walking distance in 19 Therefore, we believe it is better to compare a performance like walking distance or walking strength than the habit of walking or exercise (frequency in a week). 18 A factor influence on the thickness of the quadriceps muscle and serum BDNF levels in older adults is considered to depend on the individual's physical daily activities, especially walking, exercise and some sports games.…”

“…Therefore, there might not be a close correlation between them. Assantachai et al reported close relationships between quadriceps strength and walking distance in 19 Therefore, we believe it is better to compare a performance like walking distance or walking strength than the habit of walking or exercise (frequency in a week). The expression of BDNF in the muscle and the brain is enhanced by exercise.…”