Association of Osteosarcopenia with Functional Outcomes in Older Adult Patients Undergoing Rehabilitation

Osteosarcopenia is characterized by the coexistence of sarcopenia and osteoporosis. This comorbid condition is thought to negatively affect functional outcomes. In this study, we investigated the negative impact of osteosarcopenia on the functional outcomes of older patients undergoing rehabilitation.

This single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted at Hamamatsu City Rehabilitation Hospital in Japan and included 184 participants ≥65 years. Functional outcomes were assessed using the functional independence measure (FIM), the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) achieved on the FIM, and home discharge. Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the independent association of osteosarcopenia with FIM score at discharge and the FIM MCID. Additionally, the association between osteosarcopenia and home discharge was examined.

Osteosarcopenia was present in 30.4% of participants. Osteosarcopenia did not reach a statistically significant association with FIM at discharge (95% confidence interval [CI]: -2.518-8.489; β, 0.058), FIM MCID (odds ratio [OR]: 1.919; 95% CI: 0.698-5.277), or discharge to home (OR: 0.525; 95% CI: 0.126-2.189).

Osteosarcopenia was prevalent among older patients undergoing rehabilitation, but its association with functional outcomes at discharge did not reach statistical significance. Intensive rehabilitation may have masked its adverse effects, warranting further longitudinal studies.