The Relationship between Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain and Sarcopenia Risk in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to better understand the relationship between chronic musculoskeletal pain and the risk of sarcopenia in older adults. METHODS: The risk of sarcopenia was assessed in 210 older adults using the SARC-F (strength, assistance with walking, rising from a chair, ascending stairs, and falls) questionnaire. Geriatric pain measures were used to assess pain. We also recorded the pain sites (ankles/feet, wrists/hands, upper back, lower back, neck, shoulder, hips, and knees). RESULTS: Participant mean age was 72.4±7 years, and 109 (51.9%) of the participants were female. The prevalence rates of sarcopenia and chronic musculoskeletal pain were 60% and 92.9%, respectively. Older adults at risk of sarcopenia had a higher mean age, body mass index (BMI), number of comorbidities and falls, presence of chronic pain, pain intensity, and pain sites. Sarcopenia risk was correlated with chronic pain intensity (current and last 7 days) (r=0.506, p<0.001 and r=0.584, p<0.001, respectively), multisite pain (r=0.442, p<0.001), and Geriatric Pain Measure score (r=0.730; p<0.001). Age (odds ratio [OR]=1.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0–1.2), BMI (OR=1.1; 95% CI, 1.0–1.2), and geriatric pain (OR=1.1; 95% Cl, 1.0–1.1) were associated with sarcopenia risk. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of sarcopenia is linked to chronic pain, which frequently occurs in geriatric populations. Our study results also showed that higher pain intensity was associated with a higher risk of sarcopenia. Older adults at risk for sarcopenia often experience chronic musculoskeletal pain, which must be better recognized. Moreover, its significance must be noted in the treatment process.