Associations of components of sarcopenic obesity with bone health and balance in older adults

Abstract

Objectives To determine characteristics of sarcopenic obesity that are independently associated with bone health and balance in older adults. Study design Cross-sectional study of 168 community-dwelling older adults (mean age 67.7 ± 8.4 years; 55% women). Main outcome measures Appendicular lean mass (ALM), whole-body areal BMD (aBMD) and body fat percentage were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Peripheral quantitative computed tomography assessed muscle density and cortical volumetric BMD (vBMD), area, thickness, and strength-strain index (SSI) at 66% tibial length. Hand grip strength (dynamometry) and balance path length (computerised posturography) were assessed. Obesity was defined as high body fat percentage. Results Greater lower-leg muscle density was associated with lower balance path length in men (r = −0.36; P