Journal of Aging Science

Abstract

Comparison of Diagnostic Criteria for Sarcopenia in Older People: Cross-Sectional Study

Luis Fernando Ferreira*, Cislaine Machado de Souza, Patrícia da Silva Klahr and Luis Henrique Telles da Rosa

Objective: To compare the methods for evaluating sarcopenia in older people, demonstrating the relationship of each test with its peers for the same criteria diagnostic.

Methods: Cross-sectional study. Older people assessed for muscle strength: handgrip and isokinetic dynamometers; body composition: BIA, skinfolds, mid-arm and calf circumferences; physical performance: six-minute walk test, Timed Up and Go [TUG] and Short-Physical-Performance-Battery [SPPB]. Qualitative variables expressed in absolute and relative frequency; quantitative in mean+SD, median and IQR. Correlations assessed by Spearman's Correlation Coefficient. p-value<0,05 was significant. Study approved by UFCSPA Research Ethics Committee; volunteer read and sign the ICF.

Results: 78.31% women, average age: 67,85+5,27 years. Strength assessments: moderate correlation between Handgrip and quadriceps PT; high with hamstrings PT. PT assessments showed high relation between them. SMM showed high correlation with FFM, and low with CC and MAC. FFM showed high correlation with all body composition assessments. Physical performance: UGS had moderate correlation with SPPB and high with TUG. TUG showed low correlation with SPPB.

Discussion: Strength: Handgrip showed best correlation, needing prospective studies. Chair stand test didn’t show relationship with other techniques, maybe because of other variables than strength, as balance and power output. Body composition: BIA showed the best correlations. Skinfold, calf circumference and MAC could be a good choice for this criterion, for its good correlation, low cost, and fast to develop. Physical performance: UGS seems to be the best assessment, although SPPB and TUG showed correlations. Is important to note that, for these criteria, the choice of assessment method may affect the sarcopenia severity.

Published Date: 2023-08-15; Received Date: 2023-07-11