A Cross-Sectional Study on Metabolic Syndrome Parameters, the Nutritional Index, and Physical Status Associated with or Without the Possible Diagnosed Sarcopenia in Older Women Using A Propensity Score Matching Method.

Objectives: To develop strategies against sarcopenia, physiological and biochemical data in older women were analyzed using propensity score matching.

Methods: Fifty-six women aged ≥75 years with the AWGS calf circumference <33 cm were included in the sarcopenia risk group. Low muscle strength (handgrip strength <18kg) or low physical performance (five-times-sit-to-stand test ≥12s) were used the possible-sarcopenia group. Propensity score matching adjusted for age and BMI was performed between the possible-sarcopenia group with low muscle strength (or physical performance) and the sarcopenia risk group without low muscle strength (or physical performance). The comparison included nutritional index, metabolic syndrome parameters, BMD, and skeletal muscle mass index score between both groups.

Results: The possible-sarcopenia group with low muscle strength exhibited significantly lower BMD (p=0.014) and skeletal muscle mass index score (p=0.002) compared to the sarcopenia risk group without low muscle strength. The possible-sarcopenia group with low physical performance exhibited significantly lower AST (p=0.034) compared to the sarcopenia risk group without low physical performance.

Conclusion: These results suggest that older women with possible sarcopenia and low muscle strength may have reduced BMD and skeletal muscle mass index.