Systemic Inflammation in Sarcopenia Alter Functional Capacity in Thai Community-dwelling Older People: A Preliminary Observational Study

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is linked to the loss of muscle mass in older adults, leading to impaired functional capacity and quality of life. In addition, this finding was recognized as an age-related chronic inflammatory process. We aimed to determine the relationship between sarcopenia, functional capacity, and inflammatory biomarkers and subsequent prediction of inflammatory biomarkers in older adults. METHODS: A total of 126 women and men aged ≥ 60 years were enrolled. Participants were required to complete a handgrip dynamometer, 6-meter walk test, and bioimpedance analysis. Diagnosis was based on the definition of sarcopenia from the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019. Prior to performing a 6-minute walking test (i.e., functional capacity testing), blood samples were drawn for a C-reactive protein (CRP) test. RESULTS: A total of 12.70% were categorized as having sarcopenia. Significant differences in CRP and functional capacity between the sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups were found (p <.05). Older people with high CRP levels had significantly reduced functional capacity and slow gait speed. CONCLUSIONS: Poor functional capacity was associated with increased CRP levels, which might be due to the development of age-related inflammation. Older patients with sarcopenia may be at higher risk for functional decline.