Relationship Between Lifestyle and Physical Fitness Among Older Women with Sarcopenia

This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the interactions between lifestyle-related, diagnostic, and physical strength-related sarcopenia factors. The study included 512 female participants aged 60-100 years from Incheon, Republic of Korea, recruited from 12 institutions. Participants engaged in the study from June to August 2023. We administered questionnaires on demographic characteristics and health indicators and undertook physical measurements, including grip strength and body composition. Hierarchical regression analysis and two-way analysis of variance were conducted to examine the association between sarcopenia and the examined variables. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Hierarchical regression analysis of the variables affecting sarcopenia showed each characteristic's effect: Model 1 (basic characteristic): R², 0.391; p < 0.001; Model 2 (Model 1 + additional characteristics): R², 0.427; p < 0.001. Hierarchical regression analysis of diagnostic and fitness factors affecting sarcopenia also showed an effect on sarcopenia (Model 1 (basic characteristics): R², 0.318; p < 0.001; Model 2 (Model 1 + body composition): R², 0.419; p < 0.001; Model 3 (Model 2 + fitness factors): R², 0.664; p < 0.001). This study enhances the understanding of sarcopenia by investigating its connections with sociodemographic factors, lifestyle choices, and physical activity. The study underscores that lifestyle factors sustainably influence sarcopenia while confirming its correlation with fitness-related factors. Notably, this study highlights the results that muscle function is very important in preventing sarcopenia and that continuous physical activity and types of physical activity affect it.