Characteristics of physical function of older women with both bone and muscle mass loss

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to longitudinally examine the physical function of community-dwelling older women with bone and muscle mass loss. A total of １０5 older women aged ≥65 years, who participated in physical fitness sessions held in ２０１8 and ２０１9, were included in the study. The criterion for bone loss was a T-score ≤-2.5, and muscle loss was defined as a limb skeletal muscle index of <5.7 kg/m². Based on body composition at 1 year, participants were divided into four groups: bone and muscle loss group, muscle loss-only group, bone loss-only group, and normal group. Their physical function at baseline were compared. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted using the four body composition groups as dependent variables. The results showed that body mass index (BMI), grip strength, and normal walking speed were significantly affected in the bone and muscle loss group. These suggest that low BMI, low grip strength, and slow normal walking speed affect the older women with progressive bone and muscle loss.