Sex differences in impact of sarcopenia on falls in community-dwelling Korean older adults

Abstract

Background Falls are one of the most serious health problems among older adults. Sarcopenia is characterized by a decrease in muscle mass, strength, and physical function. Due to potentially age-related conditions, both falls and sarcopenia have common risk factors. However, the association between sarcopenia and falls is controversial. Moreover, the sex differences in the impact of sarcopenia on falls is not yet clear. This study aimed to investigate the sex differences in the impact of sarcopenia, defined by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS), on falls in Korean older adults. Methods In this cross-sectional study, we used data from the Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study; 2323 community-dwelling older adults (1111 males and 1212 females) aged 70–84 years were recruited in this cross-sectional study. To evaluate sarcopenia, the AWGS diagnostic algorithm was used. We compared the faller and non-faller groups. We performed unadjusted and fully adjusted logistic regression analyses to evaluate the relationship between sarcopenia, falls, and fall-related fractures. Results A total of 239 (24.1%) females in the faller group had a history of falls in the past year, which was statistically higher than that in males (176, 15.8%). In the fully adjusted model, handgrip strength (odds ratio [OR] = 1.508, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.028–2.211), and short physical performance battery (OR = 2.068, 95% CI = 1.308–3.271) were significantly lower in the male faller group. However, in the fully adjusted model, the female faller group only showed a significantly low appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (OR = 1.419, 95% CI = 1.058–1.903). Conclusions This large cohort study aimed to identify the sex differences in the incidence of sarcopenia in the older Korean population, using the AWGS diagnostic algorithm, and its correlation with falls and fall-related fractures. The incidence of falls did not increase in the sarcopenia group. Among the sarcopenia components, sex differences affect the history of falls. Therefore, when studying the risk of falls in old age, sex differences should be considered.

Relationships Between Muscle Parameters and History of Falls and Fractures in the Hertfordshire Cohort Study: Do All Muscle Components Relate Equally to Clinical Outcomes?

“…Sarcopenia is an important contributor to falls risk, and hence fractures [ 2 ]. We have previously demonstrated relationships between muscle size and grip strength, and bone size and strength, supporting a role for the muscle-bone unit [ 3 ], with stronger relationships in females as it has been observed elsewhere [ 4 , 5 ]. In 2019, the revised European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 guidelines were published emphasising muscle strength, relative to muscle mass and function [ 6 ].…”

Association of possible sarcopenia with major chronic diseases and multimorbidity among middle‐aged and older adults: Findings from a national cross‐sectional study in China

“…The result is consistent with previous research emphasizing sex differences in sarcopenia, and showing that women were more frequently influenced by sarcopenia than men. [26][27][28] We noted that the majority of PSA group members had shorter sleep duration and lower bodyweight. The present results are in line with that of a prospective study.…”

Sarcopenia in people living with HIV in Hong Kong: which definition correlates with health outcomes?

“…Studies performed in the general Asian older adult populations with a large sample size revealed a consistent prevalence of sarcopenia ranging from 6% to 12% using the AWGS‐2014 criteria [ 13 , 23 ], while more recent studies using AWGS‐2019 criteria demonstrated the prevalence of sarcopenia ranging from 11% to 18% [ 24 , 25 ]. Our findings supported previous evidence showing a higher prevalence of sarcopenia among PLWH compared with matched HIV‐uninfected populations [ 6 , 8 , 21 , 22 , 26 ].…”