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URBAN-RURAL DIFFERENCES IN THE PREVALENCE OF MUSCLE WEAKNESS AND SLOW GAIT SPEED: A CROSS-SECTIONAL ANALYSIS FROM THE
J J Aziz1, K F Reid1, J A Batsis2
1Nutrition, Exercise Physiology and Sarcopenia Laboratory, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA.
JAR Life
|July 5, 2022
Summary
Urban older adults exhibit greater muscle weakness than rural counterparts, particularly in grip strength. Gait speed differences were not observed between these groups. This study highlights disparities in strength among older populations.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Older adults in rural areas face health inequities, including higher comorbidity burden, poor diet, and physical inactivity.
- These factors are associated with sarcopenia, characterized by muscle weakness and slow gait speed.
- Previous research has not explored urban-rural disparities in muscle weakness and gait speed among US older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the prevalence of grip strength weakness and slow gait speed between urban and rural older adults in the United States.
- To identify potential urban-rural differences in physical function markers relevant to sarcopenia.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of data from 2,923 adults (≥ 60 years) from two National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cohorts.
- Grip strength was assessed using absolute grip strength and grip strength adjusted for body mass index (GripBMI).
- Gait speed was measured as usual walking speed; slow gait speed was defined as ≤0.8m/s.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of GripBMI weakness was significantly higher in urban participants (27.4%) compared to rural participants (19.2%) (p=0.001).
- Urban participants exhibited lower absolute grip strength (31.75±0.45 kg) than rural participants (33.73±0.48 kg).
- No significant urban-rural differences were found in the prevalence of slow gait speed.
Conclusions:
- Older adults residing in urban areas of the US demonstrated greater muscle weakness, specifically in grip strength, compared to their rural counterparts.
- This study is the first to report on urban-rural differences in handgrip strength and gait speed in the US older adult population.
- Findings suggest targeted interventions may be needed to address strength disparities in urban older adults.
