Identifying Low Muscle Mass in Patients with Hip Fracture: Validation of Biolectrical Impedance Analysis and Anthropometry Compared to Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry

The Association of Isocaloric Substitution of Dietary Protein in Middle Age with Muscle Mass and Strength in Old Age: The Hordaland Health Study

Background

Age-associated loss of muscle mass and strength is an important predictor of disability in older persons. Although several mechanisms contribute to the decline in muscle mass and function seen with aging, the process is thought to be accelerated by an inadequate protein intake. However, the optimal amount and source of protein and the role of dietary protein intake over the life course remain uncertain.

Objectives

In a sample of community-dwelling adults in Western Norway, the current study examined both cross-sectional and longitudinal associations over 20 y of dietary protein intake with appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASMM) and muscle strength measured by handgrip strength (HGS) in older age.

Methods

Dietary intake was assessed using food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) in middle age (46-49 y) and older age (67-70 y) within the community-based Hordaland Health Study.

Results

Adjusted, multivariate linear regression analyses revealed a negative cross-sectional association between the substitution of total protein (TP) and animal protein (AP), with fat and carbohydrates, on ASMM in women but not in men. No longitudinal associations were found between substitution of dietary protein intake and ASMM in either sex in adjusted models. Similarly, no cross-sectional or longitudinal associations were evident between substitution of dietary protein intake and HGS in either sex in adjusted models.

Conclusion

The findings in the current study highlight the need to clarify the role of dietary protein intake in the maintenance of muscle mass and muscle strength in healthy older adults.

Evaluation of Multi-Frequency Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis against Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry for Estimation of Low Muscle Mass in Older Hospitalized Patients

The accuracy of multi-frequency (MF) bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to estimate low muscle mass in older hospitalized patients remains unclear. This study aimed to describe the ability of MF-BIA to identify low muscle mass as proposed by The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) and The European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP-2) and examine the association between muscle mass, dehydration, malnutrition, and poor appetite in older hospitalized patients. In this prospective exploratory cohort study, low muscle mass was estimated with MF-BIA against dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in 42 older hospitalized adults (≥65 years). The primary variable for muscle mass was appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM), and secondary variables were appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) and fat-free mass index (FFMI). Cut-off values for low muscle mass were based on recommendations by GLIM and EWGSOP-2. MF-BIA was evaluated against DXA on the ability to estimate absolute values of muscle mass by mean bias, limits of agreement (LOA), and accuracy (5% and 10% levels). Agreement between MF-BIA and DXA to identify low muscle mass was evaluated with sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), and positive predictive value (PPV). The association between muscle mass, dehydration, malnutrition, and poor appetite was visually examined with boxplots. MF-BIA overestimated absolute values of ASM with a mean bias of 0.63 kg (CI: -0.20:1.46, LOA: -4.61:5.87). Agreement between MF-BIA and DXA measures of ASM showed a sensitivity of 86%, specificity of 94%, PPV of 75% and NPV of 97%. Boxplots indicate that ASM is lower in patients with malnutrition. This was not observed in patients with poor appetite. We observed a tendency toward higher ASM in patients with dehydration. Estimation of absolute ASM values with MF-BIA should be interpreted with caution, but MF-BIA might identify low muscle mass in older hospitalized patients.

Prediction equations to estimate muscle mass using anthropometric data: a systematic review

CONTEXT

Reduced muscle mass is linked to poor outcomes in both inpatients and outpatients, highlighting the importance of muscle mass assessment in clinical practice. However, laboratory methods to assess muscle mass are not yet feasible for routine use in clinical practice because of limited availability and high costs.

OBJECTIVE

This work aims to review the literature on muscle mass prediction by anthropometric equations in adults or older people.

DATA SOURCES

The following databases were searched for observational studies published until June 2022: MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science.

DATA EXTRACTION

Of 6437 articles initially identified, 63 met the inclusion criteria for this review. Four independent reviewers, working in pairs, selected and extracted data from those articles.

DATA ANALYSIS

Two studies reported new equations for prediction of skeletal muscle mass: 10 equations for free-fat mass and lean soft tissue, 22 for appendicular lean mass, 7 for upper-body muscle mass, and 7 for lower-body muscle mass. Twenty-one studies validated previously proposed equations. This systematic review shows there are numerous equations in the literature for muscle mass prediction, and most are validated for healthy adults. However, many equations were not always accurate and validated in all groups, especially people with obesity, undernourished people, and older people. Moreover, in some studies, it was unclear if fat-free mass or lean soft tissue had been assessed because of an imprecise description of muscle mass terminology.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review identified several feasible, practical, and low-cost equations for muscle mass prediction, some of which have excellent accuracy in healthy adults, older people, women, and athletes. Malnourished individuals and people with obesity were understudied in the literature, as were older people, for whom there are only equations for appendicular lean mass.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration number CRD42021257200.

The association of dietary patterns with muscle mass and strength in old age: The Hordaland Health Study

PURPOSE

The single nutrient approach in nutrition research lacks the ability to account for synergistic relationships between dietary components. Current evidence suggests that diet quality, reflecting overall dietary intake, may influence muscle health. In a community-based observational study in Western Norway, we examined dietary patterns in relation to muscle mass and strength at age 67-70.

METHODS

The current analysis was conducted in men and women of The Hordaland Health Study (HUSK), who participated in both the second (HUSK2) and third study wave (HUSK3). Dietary patterns were extracted by principal component analysis (PCA) on food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) data. Individual dietary pattern scores (DPS) for HUSK2 (age 46-49) and HUSK3 (age 67-70), and overall DPS (oDPS) were calculated. Outcome variables were appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASMM) and handgrip strength (HGS) measured in HUSK3. The relationships of HUSK3 DPS and oDPS with ASMM and HGS were assessed by multivariate linear regression analysis adjusted for potential confounding factors.

RESULTS

We identified three distinct dietary patterns, labelled 'Western', 'Healthy', and 'Sweets-focused'. A significant positive association was observed between the oDPS for the 'Healthy' dietary pattern and ASMM in both men and women at age 67-70. No significant associations were found between HUSK3 DPS or oDPS for any of the identified dietary patterns and HGS in our population.

CONCLUSION

Higher oDPS on a dietary pattern predominantly rich in fish, vegetables, nuts and seeds, fruit and berries, and eggs was associated with better ASMM at age 67-70. To establish the influence of diet quality on muscle health, further long-term studies with repeated dietary assessments are warranted.

Anthropometric equations to estimate appendicular muscle mass from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA): A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) obtained from dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is recommended to quantify sarcopenia, but has limited availability in disadvantaged-income countries, moreover in an epidemiological context. Predictive equations are easier and less costly to apply, but a review of all available models is still lacking in the scientific literature. The objective of this work is to map, with a scoping review, the different proposed anthropometric equations to predict ASM measured by DXA.

METHODS

Six databases were searched without restriction on publication date, idiom, and study type. A total of 2,958 studies were found, of which 39 were included. Eligibility criteria involved ASM measured by DXA, and equations proposed to predict ASM.

RESULTS

predictive equations (n = 122) were gathered for 18 countries. The development phase involves sample size, coefficient of determination (r²), and a standard error of estimative (SEE) varying between 15 and 15,239 persons, 0.39 and 0.98, 0.07 and 3.38 kg, respectively. The validation phase involves a sample size, accuracy, and a SEE between 15 and 3,003 persons, 0.61 and 0.98, 0.09 and 3.65 kg, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The different proposed predictive anthropometric equations of ASM DXA were mapped, including validated pre-existing equations, offering an easy-to-use referential article for clinical and research applications. It is necessary to propose more equations for other continents (Africa and Antarctica) and specific health-related conditions (e.g., diseases), once the equations can only have sufficient validity and accuracy to predict ASM generally when applied to the same population.

External validation of BIA equations to estimate appendicular skeletal muscle mass in older adults: Importance of the bias analysis and derivation of correction factors to achieve agreement

There are several equations based on bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to estimate with high precision appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM). However, most of the external validation studies have reported that these equations are inaccurate or biased when applied to different populations. Furthermore, none of the published studies has derived correction factors (CFs) in samples of community-dwelling older adults, and none of the published studies have assessed the influence of the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) model on the validation process. This study assessed the agreement between six BIA equations and DXA to estimate ASM in non-Caucasian older adults considering the DXA model and proposed a CF for three of them. This analysis included 547 non-institutionalized subjects over 60 years old from the northwest of Mexico who were physically independent and without cognitive impairment: 192 subjects were measured using DXA Hologic, while 355 were measured by DXA Lunar. The agreement between each of the equations and DXA was tested considering the DXA model used as a reference method for the design of each equation, using the Bland and Altman procedure, a paired t test, and simple linear regression as objective tests. This process was supported by the differences reported in the literature and confirmed in a subsample of 70 subjects measured with both models. Only six published BIA equations were included. The results showed that four equations overestimated ASM_DXA, and two underestimated it (p < 0.001, 95% CI for Kim's equation:−5.86-−5.45, Toselli's:−0.51-−0.15, Kyle's: 1.43–1.84, Rangel-Peniche's: 0.32–0.74, Sergi's: 0.83–1.23, and Yoshida's: 4.16–4.63 kg). However, Toselli's, Kyle's and Rangel-Peniche's equations were the only ones that complied with having a homogeneous bias. This finding allowed the derivation of CFs, which consisted of subtracting or adding the mean of the differences from the original equation. After estimating ASM applying the respective CF, the new ASM estimations showed no significant bias and its distribution remained homogeneously distributed. Therefore, agreement with DXA in the sample of non-Caucasian was achieved. Adding valid CFs to some BIA equations allowed to reduce the bias of some equations, making them valid to estimate the mean values of ASM at group level.

Bio-Electrical Impedance Analysis: A Valid Assessment Tool for Diagnosis of Low Appendicular Lean Mass in Older Adults?

Background

The diagnosis of sarcopenia is essential for early treatment of sarcopenia in older adults, for which assessment of appendicular lean mass (ALM) is needed. Multi-frequency bio-electrical impedance analysis (MF-BIA) may be a valid assessment tool to assess ALM in older adults, but the evidences are limited. Therefore, we validated the BIA to diagnose low ALM in older adults.

Methods

ALM was assessed by a standing-posture 8 electrode MF-BIA (Tanita MC-780) in 202 community-dwelling older adults (age ≥ 55 years), and compared with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) (Hologic Inc., Marlborough, MA, United States; DXA). The validity for assessing the absolute values of ALM was evaluated by: (1) bias (mean difference), (2) percentage of accurate predictions (within 5% of DXA values), (3) the mean absolute error (MAE), and (4) limits of agreement (Bland–Altman analysis). The lowest quintile of ALM by DXA was used as proxy for low ALM (< 22.8 kg for men, < 16.1 kg for women). Sensitivity and specificity of diagnosing low ALM by BIA were assessed.

Results

The mean age of the subjects was 72.1 ± 6.4 years, with a BMI of 25.4 ± 3.6 kg/m², and 71% were women. BIA slightly underestimated ALM compared to DXA with a mean bias of −0.6 ± 1.2 kg. The percentage of accurate predictions was 54% with a MAE of 1.1 kg, and limits of agreement were −3.0 to + 1.8 kg. The sensitivity for ALM was 80%, indicating that 80% of subjects who were diagnosed as low ALM according to DXA were also diagnosed low ALM by BIA. The specificity was 90%, indicating that 90% of subjects who were diagnosed as normal ALM by DXA were also diagnosed as normal ALM by the BIA.

Conclusion

This comparison showed a poor validity of MF-BIA to assess the absolute values of ALM, but a reasonable sensitivity and specificity to recognize the community-dwelling older adults with the lowest muscle mass.

Effect of semi-recumbent vibration exercise on muscle outcomes in older adults: a pilot randomized controlled clinical trial

Background

Many older adults with physical limitations living in residential care apartments are unable to exercise in a standing position and are at risk for declining in muscle function leading to falls and injury. Novel approaches to achieve exercise benefits are needed. The purpose of this study was to test the effect of semi-recumbent vibration exercise on muscle outcomes in older adults living in residential care apartment complexes (RCACs).

Methods

A randomized, crossover design was used to examine the effect of semi-recumbent vibration exercise on muscle function and mass among 32 RCAC residents (mean age 87.5 years) with physical limitations. Participants received a randomized sequence of two study conditions: sham or vibration for 8 weeks each separated by a 4-week washout. Before and after the 8 weeks of vibration treatment and sham treatment, muscle mechanography was used to assess muscle function including jump power, weight-corrected jump power, and jump height. Short physical performance battery (SPPB) and handgrip strength were also used to measure muscle function. Bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy was used to estimate skeletal muscle mass. The effect of the vibration treatment on muscle outcomes was analyzed through mixed effects linear regression models.

Results

Vibration exercise leads to better jump height (p < .05) compared to sham exercise but also poorer chair rise performance (p = 0.012). Other muscle functions tests and muscle mass parameters showed non-significant changes.

Conclusion

This small pilot study showed no conclusive results on the effect of semi-recumbent vibration exercise on muscle function and mass in older adults living in RCAC. However, the promising signals of improved jump performance could be used to power larger studies of longer duration with various vibration doses to determine the benefit of vibration exercise in this physically impaired, high-risk population with few exercise capabilities.

Trial registration

The study is registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02533063; date of first registration 26/08/2015).

Comparison between Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Index DXA Defined by EWGSOP1 and 2 versus BIA Tengvall Criteria among Older People Admitted to the Post-Acute Geriatric Care Unit in Italy

This study aims to assess the agreement between the appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) using a single frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to assess criteria. Moreover, we used the European working group on sarcopenia in older people 1 (EWGSOP1), EWGSOP2, and the Tengvall equation to estimate a low prevalence in ASMI (under the cutoff criteria). We examined a sample of 765 elderly individuals (27.8% male and 72.2% female, aged 82 ± 8.2 years). Based on the cutoff identified by Tengvall, EWGSOP1, and EWGSOP2, the results showed that the prevalence of low ASMI in females was 10.1%, 11.4%, and 9.2%, respectively, and 98.1%, 30.5%, and 23.5% in males, respectively. Moreover, low ASMI prevalence under each diagnostic criterion and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. For BMI < 25 kg/m2, the ASMI prevalence was 39.9%, 25.9%, and 20.6%, as determined using Tengvall, EWGSOP1, and EWGSOP2, respectively, and for BMI > 25 kg/m2, the ASMI prevalence was 29.0%, 6.6%, and 5.2%. The percentage of agreement and Cohen's Kappa with the corresponding p-value between Tengvall and EWGSOP1 was 70.1% (p < 0.001). Between Tengvall and EWGSOP2, it was 69.4% (p < 0.001). Between EWGSOP1 and EWGSOP2, it was 96.5% (p < 0.001). Regarding gender, low ASMI prevalence in males was higher than in females. Moreover, in females, the prevalence was comparable among the three diagnostic criteria, while in males, it was significantly higher under Tengvall than the other two criteria. The application of the Tengvall formula with a single frequency BIA should be revised in terms of application for assessing low ASMI in elderly patients.

Weight changes and mobility in the early phase after hip fracture in community-dwelling older persons

Aim

To investigate body weight changes and their effect on mobility during the first two months following a hip fracture.

Findings

The loss of body weight was observed in three out of four patients in the early phase after hip fracture and was associated with decreased mobility measured by the NMS.

Message

Bodyweight loss is common and may further reduce mobility in hip fracture patients, but these findings need more research.

Purpose

Hip fractures in older persons are associated with reduced mobility and loss of independence. Few studies address the nutritional status and mobility in the early phase after hip fracture. The objective of the present study was, therefore, to investigate weight changes and their effect on mobility during the first two months following hip fracture in community-dwelling older persons without dementia.

Methods

Patients (> 60 years) admitted for a first hip fracture were recruited from two tertiary referral hospitals in Bergen, Norway. The patients' weights and dietary intakes were determined in the hospital and at home after two months. Mobility was assessed based on the New Mobility Score (NMS) (scale 0–9, with values > 5 regarded as sufficient mobility).

Results

We included 64 patients (median age 80 years, 48 women, 16 men) with information on weight collected in the hospital. Follow-up measurements were available for 32 patients, corresponding to an attrition rate of 50%. The patients had a median weight loss of 1.8 kg (IQR = − 3.7, 0 kg). Most of them had reduced mobility at two months after the surgery [median NMS = 5 (IQR = 3–6)]. Both age and the weight change after surgery were predictors of the NMS at follow-up.

Conclusion

Bodyweight loss was observed in three out of four patients in the early phase after hip fracture and was associated with decreased mobility measured by the NMS. The results should be interpreted with caution as half of the patients dropped out of the study and did not participate in the follow-up visit.

Factors Associated with Sarcopenia and 7-Year Mortality in Very Old Patients with Hip Fracture Admitted to Rehabilitation Units: A Pragmatic Study

Background: Admitted bedridden older patients are at risk of the development of sarcopenia during hospital stay (incident sarcopenia). The objective of this study was to assess the factors associated with sarcopenia (incident and chronic) and its impact on mortality in older people with hip fracture. Methods: A multicenter, pragmatic, prospective observational study was designed. Older subjects with hip fracture admitted to two rehabilitation units were included. Sarcopenia was assessed at admission and at discharge according to the revised EWGSOP (European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People) consensus definition. The mortality was evaluated after 7 years of follow-up. Results: A total of 187 subjects (73.8% women) age 85.2 ± 6.3 years were included. Risk factors associated to incident and chronic sarcopenia were undernutrition (body mass index—BMI and Mini Nutritional Assessment−Short Form—MNA-SF), hand-grip strength and skeletal muscle index. During follow-up 114 patients died (60.5% sarcopenic vs. 39.5% non-sarcopenic, p = 0.001). Cox regression analyses showed that factors associated to increased risk of mortality were sarcopenia (HR: 1.67, 95% CI 1.11–2.51) and low hand-grip strength (HR: 1.76, 95% CI 1.08–2.88). Conclusions: Older patients with undernutrition have a higher risk of developing sarcopenia during hospital stay, and sarcopenic patients have almost two times more risk of mortality than non-sarcopenic patients during follow-up after hip fracture.

High rates of central obesity and sarcopenia in CKD irrespective of renal replacement therapy - an observational cross-sectional study

Background

Poor nutritional status of patients with renal disease has been associated with worsening of renal function and poor health outcomes. Simply measuring weight and height for calculation of the body mass index does however not capture the true picture of nutritional status in these patients. Therefore, we measured nutritional status by BMI, body composition, waist circumference, dietary intake and nutritional screening in three groups of renal patients.

Methods

Patients with chronic kidney disease not on renal replacement therapy (CKD stages 3–5, n = 112), after renal transplantation (n = 72) and patients treated with hemodialysis (n = 24) were recruited in a tertiary hospital in Bergen, Norway in a cross-sectional observational study. Dietary intake was assessed by a single 24 h recall. All patients underwent nutritional screening, anthropometric measurements, body composition measurement andfunctional measurements (hand grip strength). The prevalence of overweight and obesity, central obesity, sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity and nutritional risk was calculated.

Results

Central obesity and sarcopenia were present in 49% and 35% of patients, respectively. 49% of patients with central obesity were normal weight or overweight according to their BMI. Factors associated with central obesity were a diagnosis of diabetes and increased fat mass, while factors associated with sarcopenia were age, female gender, number of medications. An increase in the BMI was associated with lower risk for sarcopenia.

Conclusion

Central obesity and sarcopenia were present in renal patients at all disease stages. More attention to these unfavorable nutritional states is warranted in these patients.

Mitochondrial function is impaired in the skeletal muscle of pre-frail elderly

Aging is accompanied by a gradual decline in both muscle mass and strength over time, which can eventually lead to pathologies, such as frailty and sarcopenia. While these two conditions are well characterized, further investigation of the early biological signs present in pre-frail elderly is still needed to help identify strategies for preventative therapeutic intervention. The goal of the present clinical study was to evaluate the level of mitochondrial (dys)function in a well-defined population of pre-frail elderly (>60 years of age). Pre-frail elderly were compared with an age-matched population of active elderly. Muscle mitochondrial function was assessed in vivo using phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (³¹P-MRS) and a comprehensive set of biological biomarkers were measured ex vivo in vastus lateralis muscle biopsies. In pre-frail subjects, phosphocreatine recovery was impaired and mitochondrial respiratory complex protein and activity levels were significantly lower when compared with active elderly. Analysis of microarray data showed that mitochondrial genes were also significantly down-regulated in muscle of pre-frail compared to active elderly. These results show that mitochondrial impairment is a hallmark of pre-frailty development and the onset of decline in muscle function in the elderly.

Does sarcopenia predict change in mobility after hip fracture? a multicenter observational study with one-year follow-up

BACKGROUND

Patients with hip fracture frequently have sarcopenia and are at great risk of loss of mobility. We have investigated if sarcopenia predicts change in mobility after hip fracture.

METHODS

This is a prospective, multicenter observational study with one-year follow-up. Patients with hip fracture who were community-living and capable of walking before the fracture were included at three hospitals in Norway (2011-2013). The primary outcome of the study was change in mobility, measured by the New Mobility Score (NMS). Sarcopenia was determined postoperatively by anthropometry, grip strength, and NMS.

RESULTS

We included 282 participants and sarcopenia status was determined in 201, of whom 38% (77/201) had sarcopenia, 66% (128/194) had low muscle mass, 52% (116/222) had low grip strength and 8% (20/244) had low pre-fracture mobility (NMS < 5). Sarcopenia did not predict change in mobility (effect 0.2 points; 95% CI -0.5 to 0.9, P = 0.6), but it was associated with having lower mobility at one-year (NMS 5.8 (SD 2.3) vs. 6.8 (SD 2.2), P = 0.003), becoming a resident of a nursing home (odds ratio 3.2, 95% CI 0.9 to 12.4, P = 0.048), and the combined endpoint of becoming a resident of a skilled nursing home or death (odds ratio 3.6, 95% CI 1.2 to 12.2, P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Sarcopenia did not predict change in mobility in the year after hip fracture.

Sarcopenia in patients with hip fracture: A multicenter cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia is prevalent in older persons and is a risk factor for falls, fractures, and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine a) the feasibility of determining sarcopenia in patients with acute hip fracture, b) the prevalence of sarcopenia and c) associations of sarcopenia with nutritional status and comorbidities.

METHODS

A multicenter cross-sectional study on sarcopenia in male and female patients with acute hip fracture. Participants were previously ambulatory and living in the community. Sarcopenia was assessed postoperatively with muscle mass estimated by anthropometry using triceps skinfold, arm circumference, height, weight and sex. Grip strength was measured by Jamar dynamometer and pre-fracture mobility was by self-report using the New Mobility Score.

RESULTS

Out of 282 patients, 202 were assessed for sarcopenia of whom 74 (37%) were diagnosed as sarcopenic. Sarcopenia was associated with age, odds ratio (OR) 1.4 per 5 years, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.1, 1.8], ASA Physical Status Classification System score, OR 2.3 per point, 95% CI [1.3, 4.3] and number of medications at discharge, OR 1.2 per medication, 95% CI [1.0, 1.3] and inversely associated with BMI, OR 0.8, 95% CI [0.7, 0.9] and serum albumin, OR 0.9, 95% CI [0.8,1.0].

CONCLUSIONS

Thirty-seven percent of assessed subjects were diagnosed with sarcopenia. Our data demonstrates that the prevalence of sarcopenia is associated with older age, malnutrition and comorbidities. Determining sarcopenia at the bedside was feasible in postoperative hip fracture patients by using grip strength, estimation of muscle mass by anthropometry and self-reported mobility.

Effectiveness of nutritional supplementation on sarcopenia and recovery in hip fracture patients. A multi-centre randomized trial

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Functional deterioration and reduced mobility in elderly patients with a hip fracture are associated with a loss of both muscle mass and function (sarcopenia). The aim of this study was to assess whether oral nutritional supplementation (ONS) improves muscle mass and nutritional markers (BMI, proteins) in elderly patients with hip fracture.

METHODS

Patients aged 65 years and over with hip fractures admitted to either of two rehabilitation facilities were included. Patients with diabetes, with Barthel index scores <40 prior to the fracture or with pathological fractures were excluded. A random-numbers generator was used to randomly allocate patients to the intervention group (IG) or the control group (CG). Those in the IG received a standard diet plus ONS in the form of two bottles a day of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB), while those in the CG received a standard diet only. The intervention was not blinded. In order to assess changes in body mass index (BMI), anthropometric parameters were recorded at both admission and discharge. Patients' functional situation was evaluated using the Barthel index (BI) and the Functional Ambulation Categories (FAC) score. Muscle mass was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis, which allowed us to calculate appendicular lean mass (aLM). The outcome variable was the difference between aLM upon discharge, minus aLM upon admission (Δ-aLM).

RESULTS

Of the 107 randomised patients (IG n55, CG n52), 49 finished the study in the IG and 43 in the CG. BMI and aLM were stable in IG patients, whilst these parametres decreased in the CG. A significant difference was observed between the two groups (p<0.001, and p=0.020 respectively). The predictive factors for Δ-aLM were ONS (p=0.006), FAC prior to fracture (p<0.001) and BI prior to fracture (p=0.007). The concentration of proteins (p=0.007) and vitamin D (p.001) had increased more in the IG than in the CG.

CONCLUSION

A diet enriched in HMB improves muscle mass, prevents the onset of sarcopenia and is associated with functional improvement in elderly patients with hip fractures. Orally administered nutritional supplements can help to prevent the onset of sarcopenic obesity.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

www.clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01404195, registered 22 July 2011, HYPERPROT-GER Study.

Prospective Associations of Low Muscle Mass and Function with 10-Year Falls Risk, Incident Fracture and Mortality in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

OBJECTIVES

Purpose: To compare the performance of low muscle mass and function with falls risk, incident fracture and mortality over 10 years.

METHODS

1041 participants (50% women; mean age 63±7.5 years) were prospectively followed for 10 years. Falls risk was measured using the Physiological Profile Assessment, fractures were self-reported and mortality was ascertained from the death registry. Appendicular lean mass (ALM) was assessed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Four anthropometric: (ALM/height2, ALM/body mass index, ALM/weight×100, a residuals method of ALM on height and total body fat) and four performance-based measures: (handgrip strength, lower-limb muscle strength, upper and lower-limb muscle quality) were examined. Participants in the lowest 20% of the sex-specific distribution for each anthropometric and performance-based measure were classified has having low muscle mass or function. Regression analyses were used to estimate associations between each anthropometric and performance-based measure at baseline and 10-year falls risk, incident fractures and mortality.

RESULTS

Mean falls risk z-score at 10 years was 0.64 (SD 1.12), incident fractures and mortality over 10 years were 16% and 14% respectively. All baseline performance-based measures were significantly associated with higher falls risk score at 10 years. Low handgrip (RR 1.55, 95% CI: 1.09, 2.20) and ALM/body mass index (RR 1.54, 95% CI: 1.14, 2.08) were the only significant predictors of fracture and mortality respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Low handgrip strength, a simple and inexpensive test could be considered in clinical settings for identifying future falls and fractures. ALM/ body mass index could be most suitable in estimating 10-year mortality risk, but requires specialised equipment.

Animal-Derived Protein Consumption Is Associated with Muscle Mass and Strength in Community-Dwellers: Results from the Milan EXPO Survey

OBJECTIVES

Behavioral factors, including protein intake, influence the quantity and quality of skeletal muscle. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between animal-derived protein intake and muscle mass and function in a large sample of unselected community-dwellers.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The VIP (Very Important Protein) study, conducted during Expo 2015 in Milan, was a population survey aimed at assessing major health metrics in a population outside of the research setting, with a special focus on the relation between animal-derived protein intake and muscle mass and function. A brief questionnaire exploring lifestyle habits, dietary preferences and the consumption of selected foods was administered. Muscle mass was estimated by calf circumference (CC) and mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC) of the dominant side. Muscle strength of upper and lower extremities was assessed through handgrip strength testing and repeated chair stand test, respectively.

RESULTS

The mean age of the 1,853 participants was 50.3 years (standard deviation: 15.7; range: 18-98 years), of whom 959 (51.7%) were women. Participants in the highest tertile of protein consumption showed better performance at both the handgrip strength (p <0.001) and chair stand tests than those in the lowest tertile (p <0.01). The same results were found for CC (p <0.001) and MAMC (p <0.001). Participants with high protein intake and engaged in regular physical activity showed the higher scores in all the assessed domains.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the VIP survey suggest an association between animal-derived protein intake and muscle mass and strength across ages. Our findings also indicate a synergistic effect of animal-derived protein intake and physical activity on muscle-related parameters.