Effect of sarcopenia status on higher-level functional capacity in daily living among older orthopedic outpatients in Japan

BACKGROUND: A higher risk of disability has been reported in sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia patient groups than in the non-sarcopenia group. Here, we showed an independent association between sarcopenia and disability among older orthopedic outpatients in Japan. METHODS: The sample included 103 older outpatients aged ≥ 65 years with orthopedic diseases. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated as weight divided by height squared (kg/m2). Sarcopenia was defined as low grip strength and low muscle mass. Participants were classified according to AWGS2019 criteria: no sarcopenia (normal muscle strength, mass, and physical performance), sarcopenia (low muscle strength plus low muscle mass), or severe sarcopenia (low muscle strength plus low muscle mass plus low physical performance). Functional capacity was evaluated using the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence (TMIG-IC), a multidimensional 13-item scale that consists of three subscales: instrumental activities of daily living, intellectual activity, and social role. The association between sarcopenia and disability was assessed using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence rates of sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia were 14.7% and 11.8%, respectively. Older age was associated with severe sarcopenia. The percentage of individuals with disabilities in social roles was significantly higher in the severe sarcopenia group than that in the non-sarcopenia group. After adjusting for age, sex, BMI, and comorbidity, severe sarcopenia was significantly associated with disability in social roles among orthopedic outpatients. The sarcopenia group showed no significant social role disabilities. CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenia is a serious problem facing older orthopedic outpatients. Severe sarcopenia was found to be associated with disability in social roles among older orthopedic outpatients.