Skeletal muscle mass adjusted by height correlated better with muscular functions than that adjusted by body weight in defining sarcopenia

Abstract

Sarcopenia, characterized by low muscle mass and function, results in frailty, comorbidities and mortality. However, its prevalence varies according to the different criteria used in its diagnosis. This cross-sectional study investigated the difference in the number of sarcopenia cases recorded by two different measurement methods of low muscle mass to determine which measurement was better. We recruited 878 (54.2% female) individuals aged over 65 years and obtained their body composition and functional parameters. Low muscle mass was defined as two standard deviations below either the mean height-adjusted (hSMI) or weight-adjusted (wSMI) muscle mass of a young reference group. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 6.7% vs. 0.4% (male/female) by hSMI, and 4.0% vs. 10.7% (male/female) by wSMI. The κ coefficients for these two criteria were 0.39 vs. 0.03 (male/female), and 0.17 in all subjects. Serum myostatin levels correlated positively with gait speed (r = 0.142, p = 0.007) after adjustment for gender. hSMI correlated with grip strength, cardiopulmonary endurance, leg endurance, gait speed, and flexibility. wSMI correlated with grip strength, leg endurance, gait speed, and flexibility. Since hSMI correlated more closely with grip strength and more muscular functions, we recommend hSMI in the diagnosis of low muscle mass.

Association of Anthropometric and Nutrition Status Indicators with Hand Grip Strength and Gait Speed in Older Adults

“…Particularly in men, this association was stronger for presenting a low HGS. This result was expected because height reflects part of the bone structure, and bone mass has implications for muscular and strength performances . In individuals aged >65 years, height has been shown to be a relevant determinant of HGS and muscular functions .…”

“…In individuals aged >65 years, height has been shown to be a relevant determinant of HGS and muscular functions . Because men were taller than women and older women usually have shorter body heights because of postmenopausal osteoporosis, a more evident association between height and HGS was also expected among men.…”

Association of different bioimpedanciometry estimations of muscle mass with functional measures

“…SMMI (height 2 ) has been compared with SMMI (weight) for different measures in five studies showing conflicting outcomes. SMMI (height 2 ) showed a better association for some measures in three studies, and SMMI (weight) showed a better association for some measures in three studies . In their studies, Han et al and Liu et al reported that SMMI (height 2 ) correlated with HGS and gait speed (GS) better than SMMI (weight).…”

Association between Loss of Skeletal Muscle Mass and Mortality and Tumor Recurrence in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Sarcopenia, defined as a decrease in muscle mass and strength, is an important cause of functional decline and is associated with aging and chronic illness [6]. Multinutrient supplementation as well as resistive strengthening exercise is effective to reverse sarcopenia and subsequent adverse health outcomes [7,8].…”