Relationship Between Weight, Muscle Mass, Cardiorespiratory Endurance, and Likelihood of Dynapenia in Older Adults

In an aging society, the early detection and diagnosis of dynapenia, defined as the age-associated loss of muscle strength, are pivotal for preventing or decreasing the deterioration of body functions. This study aims to explore the relationship between dynapenia and nutrition, body fitness, and physical activity.

This cross-sectional study surveyed participants at a regional hospital in 2017. The survey utilized the Mini Nutritional Assessment and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The body weight, height, appendicular skeletal muscle-mass index (ASMI), calf circumference, balance, lower limb flexibility, muscular endurance, and cardiorespiratory endurance of the participants were measured by trained staff. Additionally, logistic regression models were used to explore the risk factors for dynapenia.

Among the 393 cases, overweight status, obesity, and below-normal calf circumference were associated with an increased likelihood of dynapenia, with odds ratios (ORs) of 2.15 (p = 0.019), 4.15 (p = 0.002), and 2.15 (p = 0.02), respectively. Conversely, higher ASMI and cardiorespiratory endurance were associated with a decreased likelihood of dynapenia, with ORs of 0.41 (p = 0.002) and 0.97 (p = 0.001), respectively. Additionally, old age increased the likelihood of dynapenia with an OR of 1.18 (p < 0.001). Other variables were not significant.

Controlling body weight and encouraging older adults to engage in physical activities that enhance handgrip strength can reduce the risk of dynapenia. Therefore, promoting self-care behaviors to reduce the adverse outcomes of dynapenia is crucial for enhancing healthy life in older populations.