Association Between Neck Circumference, Cardiovascular Risk Factors, and Relative Muscle Strength in Older Women

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Cardiovascular Health
• Anthropometry

Background:

• Neck circumference (NC) is a proposed anthropometric marker for cardiovascular risk.
• Its association with functional capacity in older women requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between neck circumference (NC), cardiovascular risk indicators, and functional capacity in postmenopausal women.
• To determine if NC can serve as a predictor of cardiovascular health and physical function in this demographic.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 64 postmenopausal women (age > 60 years).
• Participants were grouped based on NC (<33.5 cm vs. ≥33.5 cm).
• Assessed anthropometrics, blood pressure, biochemical markers, and functional capacity tests (e.g., TUG, 6MWT, muscle strength).

Main Results:

• Women with higher NC (≥33.5 cm) exhibited increased body mass, BMI, waist circumference, skinfolds, and diastolic blood pressure.
• Relative muscle strength was significantly lower in the higher NC group.
• No significant differences in functional capacity tests (sit to stand, biceps curl, TUG, 6MWT) were found between groups.

Conclusions:

• Higher neck circumference in older women is linked to greater cardiovascular risk and reduced muscle strength.
• NC is a practical, low-cost indicator for identifying cardiovascular risk in older women.
• Functional capacity, as measured by specific tests, was not directly associated with NC in this cohort.