Association of the Intensity, Frequency, Duration, and Volume of Physical Activity With Sarcopenia and Its Related...

Sarcopenia is a crucial factor leading to a decline in physical function and quality of life among middle-aged and older adults. However, the associations between physical activity (PA) and sarcopenia-related diagnostic indicators in this population remain unclear within the Chinese context.

Using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), we conducted a longitudinal analysis spanning from 2011 to 2015. Cox regression analysis was performed to explore the associations of PA intensity, frequency, duration, and volume with sarcopenia incidence and its diagnostic indicators, which are made up of muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical performance, including gait speed (GS), the five-time chair stand test, and the short physical performance battery (SPPB).

Among 3069 participants, no significant associations were observed between PA and sarcopenia incidence or muscle mass (both p > 0.05), whereas all dimensions of PA were associated with muscle strength (all p < 0.05). Except for low- or vigorous-intensity PA, moderate- and low-intensity PA frequency of 3-5 days/week, moderate PA volume ≥ 300 min/week, and moderate-to-vigorous PA volume 600-2249 metabolic equivalents, all other PA dimensions were associated with physical performance (all p < 0.05). Further sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings.

These findings indicate that PA enhances muscle strength and improves muscular function, thereby reducing the severity and improving the prognosis of sarcopenia.