Ultradound-assessed fat distribution and its relation to sarcopenia parameters in community-dwelling older adults:a cross-sectional study

Identifier:  TFM:2435

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TFM2435

Authors:  Gironés Masdeu, Iolanda

Abstract:
Background: Ageing is associated with increased fat accumulation and reduced skeletal muscle mass. However, the association between fat distribution and sarcopenia remains unclear. Objective: To investigate the association between ultrasound-assessed abdominal fat distribution and sarcopenia parameters in community-dwelling adults aged 60-74 years. Methods: Cross-sectional study including 58 participants. Visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT)were assessed by ultrasound. Muscle mass, strength, and gait speed were evaluated. Linear regression analyses were adjusted by age, sex, and physical activity. Results: Participants were 66.50 ± 7.00 years old [67.24% (39/58) women], 89.7% (52/58) were non-sarcopenic, and 72.5% (42/58) were non-obese. After regression analysis, in all population, VAT was positively associated with muscle mass indices. SAT was negatively associated with gait speed and relative handgrip strength. In women, VAT was positively associated with muscle mass indices and inversely associated with relative handgrip strength, whereas SAT inversely associated with relative handgrip strength and gait speed. Conclusions: These results suggest that abdominal fat distribution may influence physical performance and relative muscle strength in ageing populations, highlighting the importance of evaluating abdominal fat distribution when assessing sarcopenia parameters.