Sarcopenia in older adults: Prevalence and links to depression and physical activity

Sarcopenia, a common debilitating geriatric syndrome, is frequently accompanied by depression and physical inactivity, forming a detrimental cycle that accelerates functional decline. However, hospital-based data on these interrelationships among Chinese older adults remain limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia in geriatric in- and out-patients and to test the hypothesis that sarcopenia is independently associated with higher depression scores and lower objectively measured physical activity.

To determine sarcopenia prevalence and its associations with depression and physical activity in older adults.

In this cross-sectional study, 346 adults aged ≥ 60 years were recruited via convenience sampling from geriatric departments of hospitals. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, χ ² tests, Spearman correlation, and binary logistic regression were employed to examine group differences, variable associations, and independent predictors of sarcopenia.

Sarcopenia was identified in 62/346 participants (17.92%). Significant inter-group differences emerged for age, body mass index (BMI), coronary artery disease, hypertension, appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), grip strength, and 6-m gait speed (P < 0.05). Individuals with sarcopenia reported markedly lower physical activity: A higher prevalence of low activity and lower Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) scores (P < 0.001). Spearman correlations revealed ASMI, grip strength, and gait speed were inversely related to depressive symptoms, while positively linked to physical activity (P < 0.01). Logistic regression confirmed 30-item Geriatric Depression Scale and PASE scores independently predicted sarcopenia after adjustment for age, BMI, coronary artery disease, and hypertension (P < 0.05).

Sarcopenia is linked to depression and physical inactivity in elderly inpatients, supporting the need for integrated screening and comprehensive management in clinical practice.