Comparison of Physical Function among Elderly Japanese Women with and without Low Bone Mass and Low Muscle Mass: A Cross-Sectional Study of Older Women Who Engage in Regular Physical Activity

A decline in physical function is common among elderly people who have lost both bone and muscle mass. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between low bone and muscle mass and physical function in elderly women of different age groups who exercise regularly. The analysis included 299 elderly women. Low bone mass was determined by a T-score of −2.5 or less, and low muscle mass was determined by a skeletal muscle mass index of <5.7 kg/m(2). Physical function was measured by grip strength, knee extension strength, standing ability, gait function, and balance function. The participants were divided into four groups based on bone and muscle mass (healthy, low bone mass, low muscle mass, and low bone and muscle mass groups), and their physical functions were compared. There were no statistically significant differences in physical function between the low bone and muscle mass and the healthy groups. There were also no statistically significant differences in physical function among the four groups in the late elderly stage (75 and older). Elderly women who exercise regularly are less likely to experience a decline in physical function, even if they have reduced bone and muscle mass.