Evaluation of the best indicator of muscle mass in community-dwelling elderly persons

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the best way to indicate muscle mass of community-dwelling elderly men and women. Methods: We recruited 398 elderly men and women (age range, 61-96, years) who use a community center and live in a metropolitan suburb. We measured appendicular and whole body muscle mass by using bioelectrical impedance analysis and analyzed our results in relation to indicators of physical function. We assessed muscle mass with no adjustment, adjustment by body mass, and adjustment by body height. Results: In men, appendicular muscle mass adjusted by body mass correlated significantly with 10-m obstacle walking time, and whole body muscle mass adjusted by body mass correlated significantly with all indicators physical function except five chair stands and maximum walking speed. In women, appendicular and whole body muscle mass adjusted by body mass correlated significantly with all indicators of physical function. However, appendicular and whole body muscle mass adjusted by body height were unrelated to indicators of physical function. Conclusions: Only whole body muscle mass adjusted by body mass was related to physical function in both men and women. This finding suggests that whole body muscle mass adjusted by body mass is the best indicator of muscle mass in community-dwelling elderly persons.