Association between gait monitoring using wearable sensors and sarcopenia assessing muscle mass, strength, and physical performance in older people: a cross-sectional study (Preprint)

Abstract

Gait parameters are indicators that correlate with the onset of sarcopenia and decline in physical performance. However, studies exploring the correlation between real-time gait monitoring using wearable sensors and sarcopenia are limited.

This study aimed to investigate the association between gait parameters measured using wearable sensors and sarcopenia based on measurements of muscle mass, strength, and physical performance in community-dwelling older adults.

In a cross-sectional study of 91 participants aged ≥ 65 years, gait parameters including step count, step length, cadence, single and double support times, vertical oscillation, and instantaneous vertical loading rate (IVLR) were analyzed in relation to sarcopenia. This study was performed at an outpatient clinic of a university hospital in Seoul, Korea, between July 10, 2023, and November 1, 2023. Sarcopenia was defined by various measurements: calf circumference, SARC-F questionnaire responses, handgrip strength, appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) using bioelectrical impedance analysis, 5-time chair stand test, and short physical performance battery (SPPB).

Among the 91 participants (45 men and 46 women; mean age: 74.1 for men and 73.6 for women), gait speed, vertical oscillation, and IVLR were negatively associated with the 5-time chair stand test and SARC-F, and positively associated with SPPB. Vertical oscillations are also associated with grip strength. Gait speed and single support time were associated with SMI. However, the statistical significance of the association disappeared after adjusting for age, sex, waist circumference, body mass index, and comorbidities. The relationship between these gait parameters and sarcopenia, especially muscle strength and physical performance, was independently consistent (Bonferroni correction, p < 0.05) in the multiple regression analysis.

Gait monitoring with wearable sensors correlated with sarcopenia in older adults, confirming its utility in assessing muscle mass, strength, and physical performance.