SARCOPENIC OBESITY AND ASSOCIATIONS WITH MUSCLE STRENGTH AND PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE IN PHYSICALLY ACTIVE OLDER ADULTS

Abstract

Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is a clinical and functional condition characterized by the coexistence of reduced skeletal muscle mass and excess fat mass (obesity), with a higher incidence risk during aging. This condition impacts muscle strength (MS) (sarcopenia) and physical performance (PP) (severe sarcopenia), increasing the risk of falls, hospitalizations, and premature mortality in older adults. Literature advises adequate indices of moderate/vigorous physical activity (WHO, 2010) for attenuating the risk of SO, although these conditions do not exempt older adults from this risk. Furthermore, the thresholds of morpho-functional losses do not yet know. Thus, we aim to determine the risk thresholds of SO from reduced MS and PP, even if in older physically active adults. An established statistical sample of ninety-four older adults enrolled in regular physical activity programs is involved in this study. SO diagnosis will be confirmed when the older adult presents low muscle mass (masc. [ALST< 19,75kg]; fem. [ALST <15,02]) and high fat % (masc. e 25%; fem. e35%). The MS (knee extension in an isokinetic dynamometer, extensor chair, and handgrip) and PP (6-minute walking test, gait speed, and time up and go) are comparative parameters between groups (independent samples t-test). The explanatory variability of MS and PP (multiple linear regression) and odds ratio for the risk of SO (binary logistic regression) will be determined, considering the adjustment by the block of confounding variables (sociodemographic characteristics, nutritional status, amount of drugs ingested, and health risk behaviors). Thus, the risk thresholds of SO in older physically active adults will be known.