Determination of normative reference for the definition of sarcopenia among Filipinos

At present, there is no normative value that can be used in the definition of sarcopenia in the Philippines.

We identified the reference cut-off values for: 1) muscle mass using bioimpedance analysis; 2) grip strength; 3) usual gait speed; 4) timed get-up-and-go; and 5) short physical performance battery in the Philippines in order to adapt the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) criteria for the definition of sarcopenia.

Two hundred seventy six (135 males and 141 females) healthy Filipino adults, between 20 and 40 years, were included in this cross sectional study. A Fresenius Body Composition Monitor was used to measure lean tissue mass (LTM) and lean tissue index (LTI). A dynamometer was used to measure grip strength. Usual gait speed, timed get-up-and-go, and short physical performance battery were also determined.

The normative references for males and females, respectively, for LTI were 17.10 + 2.337 kg/m² and 12.63 + 2.119 kg/m²; for usual gait speed were 1.06 + 0.251 m/sec and 0.930 + 0.144 m/sec; and for grip strength were 39.76 + 7.567 kg and 26.68 + 5.243 kg. The sarcopenia cut-points for the males and females, respectively, for LTI were <12.50 kg/m² and <8.33 kg/m²; for usual gait speed were <0.55 m/sec and <0.65 m/sec; and for grip strength were <24.54 kg and <16.10 kg.

This study presents cut-points for the determination of sarcopenia at-risk population among Filipinos.