Association between sarcopenia and physical activity in individuals with spondyloarthritis

To assess the association between sarcopenia and physical activity in individuals with spondyloarthritis (SpA).

Physical functional performance of individuals with SpA (SpA group [SG] n=29, 10 males, mean age=50.6±10.2 years) and a control group (CG, n=29), matched by age and sex, was assessed by handgrip strength; Five Times Sit-to-Stand (FTSTS) test; Timed Up and Go (TUG) test; and Chester Step test. International Society for the Assessment of Spondylarthritis Health Index (ASAS-HI) Questionnaire was applied to SG. Physical activity level was assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and daily steps count (pedometer). Diagnosis of sarcopenia followed the criteria by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Elderly People 2.

SG had lower functional physical performance and level of physical activity compared with CG. Presarcopenia was detected only in SG (41.4% of individuals). In SG, TUG test showed significant correlation with sedentary behavior (p=0.008), FTSTS test with vigorous physical activity (p=0.009), and ASAS-HI (p=0.039); handgrip strength had a positive correlation with time since diagnosis (p=0.003) and a negative correlation with the number of SpA clinical features (p=0.046). In SG, time spent performing vigorous physical activity showed an independent association with presarcopenia.

Presarcopenia is more frequent in individuals with SpA than in control individuals and is associated with low practice of vigorous-intensity physical activity.