[Physical activity and nutritional status in women with rheumatoid arthritis and sarcopenic phenotype of body composition].

Aim: To assess physical activity (PA) and nutritional status and their relationship with the sarcopenic phenotype of body composition in women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Material And Methods: 104 women (mean age 59.5±8.7 years) with RA underwent clinical and laboratory examination, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The level of PA and nutritional status were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaires, respectively.

Results: Sarcopenic phenotype was diagnosed in 37.1% of patients. Moderate and low PA levels were detected in 44.2 and 7.8%, respectively, risk of malnutrition - in 50% of persons. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, factors associated with the sarcopenic phenotype were determined: the frequency of vigorous PA<3 times a week [odds ratio - OR 5.12 (95% confidence interval - CI 1.15-22.94); =0.032], walking <1 hour a day [OR 4.98 (95% CI 1.14-21.74); =0.033], risk of malnutrition by MNA [OR 4.13 (95% CI 1.12-15.32); =0.034], body mass index <25 kg/m [OR 8.11 (95% CI 1.86-35.32); =0.006] and daily calcium intake <500 mg [OR 4.62 (95% CI 1.06-20.08); =0.041].

Conclusion: 52% of women with RA had moderate оr low PA levels, and 50% of patients were at risk of malnutrition. The risk of sarcopenic phenotype associated with a low frequency of vigorous PA, low walking time, risk of malnutrition, body mass index <25 kg/m and insufficient calcium intake.