Strength and Performance Tests for Screening Reduced Muscle Mass in Elderly Lebanese Males with Obesity in Community Dwellings

• Main Authors: Dana Saadeddine, Leila Itani, Andrea P. Rossi, Massimo Pellegrini, Marwan El Ghoch
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-03-01
• Series: Diseases
• Subjects: skeletal muscle mass; muscle strength; obesity; physical fitness; physical performance
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9721/9/1/23

The reduction in skeletal muscle mass (SMM) is a common phenomenon in older adults. It is associated with several diseases, a reduction in physical fitness, longer periods of hospitalization and high rates of mortality. We aimed to identify the reliability of simple tools for screening for reduced SMM among older adult males in Lebanon. The Tanita MC-780MA bioimpedance analyzer (BIA) was used to assess body composition in a population of 102 community-dwelling elderly males with overweight or obesity, in order to be then categorized as with or without reduced SMM. Participants also performed the handgrip strength test and the 4 meter gait speed test. Of the total sample of 102 participants (mean age 67.4 ± 6.96 years; BMI 30.8 6± 4.04 Kg/m²), 32 (31.4%) met the criteria for reduced SMM. Partial correlation analysis showed that handgrip strength (ρ = 0.308, <i>p</i> = 0.002) and 4 meter gait speed (ρ = 0.284, <i>p</i> = 0.004) were both associated with low SMM. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis identified discriminating cut-off points of 1.1 m/sec for the 4 meter gait speed test and 32.0 Kg for the handgrip strength test. Our study showed that participants displayed a substantial prevalence of reduced SMM. Reduced 4 meter gait speed and handgrip strength were associated with low SMM. Clear cut-off points for strength and functional tests for screening for this condition in Lebanese older men were identified.