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Lower extremity muscle mass predicts functional performance in mobility-limited elders.

K F Reid¹, E N Naumova, R J Carabello

¹Nutrition, Exercise Physiology and Sarcopenia Laboratory, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA.

The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging

|July 11, 2008

Summary

Lower extremity muscle mass and strength are key factors in mobility-disability for older adults. Maintaining muscle mass (lean body mass) can help preserve physical function and independence.

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Area of Science:

Gerontology
Kinesiology
Biomedical Engineering

Background:

Mobility-disability is a significant concern for community-dwelling older adults, impacting independence.
Lower extremity body composition and muscle strength are hypothesized to influence mobility impairments.

Purpose of the Study:

To examine how lower extremity body composition and muscle strength affect the severity of mobility-disability in older adults.
To identify predictors of functional impairment in this population.

Main Methods:

Fifty-seven older adults (mean age 74.2 years) were assessed for lower extremity functional performance using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB).
Participants were categorized by mobility impairment severity (moderate vs. severe).
Body composition (bone mineral density, total leg lean mass, body fat) and maximal hip extensor muscle strength were measured.

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Main Results:

Total leg lean mass (TLM) was a significant independent predictor of functional impairment, even after controlling for other factors.
Reduced muscle strength also predicted severe functional impairment.
A strong positive association was found between TLM and muscle strength (r = 0.78).

Conclusions:

Lower extremity muscle mass is a critical determinant of physical performance in functionally-limited older adults.
Findings suggest that interventions targeting muscle mass may help maintain independence.
Further research is needed to evaluate interventions for increasing lean body mass in this demographic.