Article

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship of the fat free mass
index (FFMI), an indicator of sarcopenia in older adults, to anthropometric,
gait, balance, and strength measures. We hypothesized that strength, balance, and
mobility measures will correlate, and could be used to predict FFMI in older
adults. Thirty-three older adults (81.5+/-7.9 years) participated. Fat free mass
(FFM) was measured using Air-Displacement Plethysmography (ADP). Anthropometric
measures, maximum handgrip (MG) and quadriceps strength were quantified. Clinical
tests included the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), and the
Timed-up and Go (TUG) test. Finally, variability measures in gait and balance
were calculated. Means, standard deviations (SD), correlations and multiple
linear regression statistical analyses were then performed using functional
predictor variables for FFMI. In total, 54.5% males and 36.3% females in our
population were classified sarcopenic. FFMI correlated only to waist
circumference (Total population (Pop), R(2)=0.649 p<0.01; Sarcopenics (Sarc),
R(2)=0.636, p<0.05) and maximum grip strength (Pop, R(2)=0.633, p<0.01; Sarc,
R(2)=0.771, p<0.01), nullifying our hypothesis. Multiple linear regression
analyses revealed waist circumference, maximum handgrip strength, greater
variability of time spent in double support, and anterior-posterior balance
variability predicted 70.7% of the variance within the population. Results
demonstrate a successful predictor model for FFMI based on a combination of
strength, circumference and gait/balance variance measures. The ability to
predict FFMI based on these variables will facilitate the diagnosis of sarcopenia
in older adults.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS