Proportion and Characteristics of Day Care Rehabilitation Service Users Whose Muscle Mass May Be Overestimated under AWGS2025

Abstract

[Purpose] To clarify the proportion and characteristics of day care rehabilitation service users whose muscle mass may be overestimated. [Participants and Methods] Participants were 206 older adults (102 men and 104 women) using day care rehabilitation services in northern Tochigi Prefecture. With individuals meeting the criterion of “edema without a decrease in intracellular water (ICW)” defined as having potentially overestimated muscle mass, we calculated the proportion of such individuals, and examined associations with complications and effects on physical function. [Results] The proportion of participants with potentially overestimated muscle mass was 18.9% (11.8% in men and 26.0% in women). No significant associations with complications were observed in either sex. However, those with potentially overestimated muscle mass had a significantly higher appendicular skeletal muscle index in both sexes and significantly lower handgrip strength in men. [Conclusion] Older adults using day care rehabilitation services require muscle mass assessment that accounts for body water.