THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SARCOPENIA AND LUNG FUNCTION IN OLDER AUSTRALIANS

Abstract

The relationship of sarcopenia and lung function is uncertain. The aim of the current study is to compare the relationship between sarcopenia using three different definitions for low appendicular skeletal muscle mass(ASM) in combination with low grip strength and lung function in older community dweller. Participants(≥65 years old) were from the North West Adelaide Health Study. Measurements included anthropometric measurements, spirometry and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry of body composition. Sarcopenia was defined as low muscle mass and low muscle strength(<30kg for men and <20kg for women). Low muscle mass was defined as either: a)ASM adjusted to height squared, b)ASM adjusted to height and fat mass;or c)ASM adjusted for body mass index(BMI). There were 470(53.4% women) subjects. Forced expiratory volume(FEV₁[L]) and forced vital capacity(FVC[L]) were significantly correlated with grip strength and the three low ASM definition. The associations were adjusted for age, gender, smoking and physical activity. After adjustment, ASM adjusted to BMI(β-coefficient -0.33, P<0.001 for FEV₁ and β-coefficient -0.50, P<0.001) and fat mass definition(β-coefficient -0.26, P=0.04 for FEV₁ and β-coefficient -0.31, P=0.05 for FVC) of sarcopenia remained an independent predictor of lower FEV₁ and FVC. No association between sarcopenia and FEV₁(β-coefficient -0.05, P=0.52) and FVC(β-coefficient -0.01, P=0.90) when ASM adjusted to height definition was used. Association between sarcopenia and lung functions are noted with some but not all definitions of sarcopenia. As there is a relationship between fat mass and lung function, sarcopenia definitions that account for fat mass may be more relevant in clinical practice.