Association of physical activity with sarcopenia evaluated based on muscle mass and strength in older adults: 2008–2011 and 2014 − 2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys

BACKGROUND: Adequate physical activity (PA) is essential for preventing sarcopenia in older adults. However, there are insufficient epidemiological data on the intensity of PA needed to prevent age-related sarcopenia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of PA intensity with skeletal muscle mass and muscle strength. METHODS: This was a population-based study with a cross-sectional design that was conducted using data from the 2008 − 2011 and 2014 − 2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, which included a total of 11,162 participants aged ≥ 60 years. PA was assessed using the results of a questionnaire and organized by intensity, frequency, and duration. The study population was divided into the following groups based on PA intensity: no exercise, walking only, moderate PA, and vigorous PA. To assess sarcopenia, skeletal muscle index (SMI) and hand grip strength (HGS) were measured as indicators of muscle mass and strength, respectively. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between PA intensity and sarcopenia. RESULTS: SMI and HGS were significantly higher in men and women engaged in moderate to vigorous PA than in those who did not exercise. The odds ratios (ORs) for sarcopenia defined based on SMI and HGS were lowest in men engaged in vigorous PA (0.444, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.242 − 0.818 and 0.450, 95% CI: 0.228 − 0.890, respectively). In women, the OR for sarcopenia defined based on HGS was the lowest in the group engaged in vigorous PA (0.441, 95% CI: 0.199 − 0.975), while there was no risk reduction for sarcopenia defined based on SMI. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate to vigorous PA was highly correlated with SMI and HGS in men and women. Intensive PA was positively correlated with sarcopenia prevention, which can be monitored using HGS.