Preliminary screening for sarcopenia and related risk factors among the elderly

The aim of this study is to survey the prevalence of sarcopenia and the factors that influence its development in Southern Taiwan's community-dwelling aged people. This is an observational cross-sectional study using the 6-meter walking test, body composition, handgrip strength, body measurements, and basic personal information to identify sarcopenia in the participants. This study included 200 participants aged 65 or over living in Taiwan, but excluded the following: 1. people with neuromuscular diseases affecting limb function and balance (such as stroke, Parkinson disease, spinal stenosis, and peripheral nerve compression); 2. people with fractures in the lower extremities or with arthritis, which could affect mobility; 3. people with pacemakers or other medical implant devices; and 4. people who declined to participate in the research and people who could not complete all aspects of the research. The prevalence of sarcopenia in the elderly community is approximately 6.0%. It is less prevalent in females (1.5%) than in males (14.3%). The incidence of sarcopenia increases with age. Significantly related risk factors for sarcopenia are gender, age, smoking, and body mass index (BMI) (P < .05). Further analysis of the risk factors for sarcopenia reveal that the odds ratios (ORs) of having low muscle mass increase with every 1 year in age by a factor of 1.19 (P < .05); those who smoke show a higher incidence than those who do not smoke (OR = 2.69, P < .05). For every 1 kg / m(2) increase in BMI, the odds of sarcopenia decrease by a factor of 0.45. For the elderly, the lower the BMI, the higher the risk of sarcopenia. Maintaining good exercise habits and keeping body weight in check might help to prevent sarcopenia by increasing functional ability and improving muscle strength.