Author:
Roongsaiwatana Songsuda,Sirikul Punnapa,Chira-Adisai Waree,Warodomwichit Daruneewan
Abstract
Background: Sarcopenia stands as a prominent health concern, exhibiting a notable correlation with chronic lower back pain among the elderly population, with an observed upward trajectory of both conditions within the preretirement age group.
Objective: To examine the prevalence of sarcopenia among individuals in the preretirement age group experiencing chronic nonspecific low back pain, and identify any associated factors.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 164 participants, aged 50 to 59 years, from the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University. Patient data encompassing demographics, physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaires, IPAQ), and quality of life (European Quality of Life 5-Dimension 5-Level, EQ-5D-5L) were collected. Sarcopenia criteria, following the Consensus of the Asian Working Group of Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2014, were evaluated through bioelectrical impedance analysis, handgrip dynamometry, and/or the 6-meter walk test. Participants with chronic low back pain underwent assessments of pain severity and functionality.
Results: Of 164 participants (mean [SD] age, 55.1 [2.6] years; mean [SD] body mass index, 24.7 [4.3] kg/m2), IPAQ responses indicated a range from low to moderate activity levels. The health-related quality of life score (median [range]) from EQ-5D-5L assessments stood at 0.94 [0.34 - 1.00]. Sarcopenia was detected in 10 out of 58 subjects (17.2%) with chronic low back pain, and in 6 out of 106 normal subjects (5.7%).
Conclusions: The prevalence of sarcopenia among individuals within the preretirement age group experiencing chronic low back pain was notably high when compared to non chronic low back pain cases, without associated factors.
Publisher
Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University