Associations of Sarcopenia Components With Physical Activity and Nutrition in Australian Older Adults Performing Exercise Training

Abstract

Abstract Background: The risk of progressive declines in skeletal muscle mass and strength, termed sarcopenia, increases with age, physical inactivity and poor diet. The purpose of this study was to explore associations of sarcopenia components with self-reported physical activity and nutrition in older adults participating in resistance training at conventional or Helsinki University Research [HUR] gyms. Methods: Muscle strength (via handgrip strength and chair stands), appendicular lean mass [ALM] (via dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) and physical performance (via gait speed over a 4-metre distance, short physical performance battery, timed up and go and 400-metre walk tests) were evaluated in a cohort study of 80 community-dwelling older adults (mean±SD 76.5B6.5 years). Pearson correlations explored associations for sarcopenia components with self-reported physical activity (via Physical Activity Scale for Elderly [PASE]) and nutrition (via Australian Eating Survey), with higher scores indicative of greater physical activity levels and better nutrition, respectively. Results: No differences in PASE were observed between HUR and conventional gyms, however HUR gym participants had a significantly higher self-reported protein intake and a trend (p = 0.055) to have higher energy intake. In both gym groups, gait speed was positively associated with self-reported physical activity (r = 0.275; p = 0.039 and r = 0.423; p = 0.044 for HUR and conventional gyms, respectively). ALM was positively associated with protein (p = 0.047, r = 0.418) and energy (p = 0.038, r = 0.435) intake in the conventional gym group. Similar associations were observed for ALM/h2 in the HUR group. None of the sarcopenia components were associated with the Australian Recommended Food Score (derived from the Australian Eating Survey) in either gym group.