Body composition and functional performance of older adults
Diane Nogueira Paranhos Amorim1, Dahan da Cunha Nascimento1,2, Whitley Stone3
1Department of Gerontology, Catholic University of Brasilia, UCB, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
Osteoporosis and Sarcopenia
|July 14, 2022
Summary
Older males exhibit superior functional performance. Lower body fat and higher muscle mass/strength are linked to better performance in octogenarians, with age and medication use also playing a role.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Human Physiology
- Biostatistics
Background:
- Functional performance in octogenarians is influenced by various factors.
- Understanding these associations is crucial for maintaining healthspan in the elderly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between anthropometric variables, body composition, medication use, and gender with functional performance in octogenarians.
- To compare these factors between octogenarians with high and low functional performance.
Main Methods:
- An observational, cross-sectional study involving 122 octogenarians.
- Assessment of anthropometric variables (BMI, WC, WHtR), handgrip strength (HGS), body composition (DXA), and functional performance (SPPB).
- Binomial logistic regression analysis was employed to determine associations.
Main Results:
- Octogenarians with high functional performance had lower waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and body fat (BF%), but higher appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ALM) and HGS.
- Males demonstrated significantly higher functional performance compared to females.
- Decreasing age and reduced medication use were associated with increased odds of high functional performance.
Conclusions:
- Older males generally exhibit better functional performance than females.
- Lower body fat and greater muscle mass/strength are key indicators of high functional performance in octogenarians.
- Age and medication use are significant modifiable factors influencing functional capacity in advanced age.
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