Calf cirfumference as a predictor of skeletal muscle mass in postmenopausal women

Low appendicular skeletal muscle mass index is associated with the anthropometric variables of post-menopausal women

BACKGROUND

Skeletal muscle mass is a central component of body composition and its decline is enhanced during aging. We verified the association between the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) with the anthropometric variables, biochemical variables, and lifestyle of postmenopausal women.

METHODS

Cross-sectional observational study conducted with postmenopausal women. Sociodemographic, clinical, lifestyle, physical activity level, biochemical, and anthropometric markers were collected. Body composition was assessed by dual-energy densitometry. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied.

RESULTS

One hundred fourteen women aged in average 66.0 ± 5.8 years were evaluated. There was a significant association between ASMI and age (p = 0.004), body mass (p < 0.001), body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.001), adductor pollicis muscle thickness (APMT) (p < 0.001), plasma calcium levels (p = 0.003), calf circumference (CC), and waist circumference (WC) (p < 0.001 for both). Adjusted regression analyses revealed the influence of BMI, CC, and APMT in the 1st tertile of ASMI (p < 0.05), BMI and CC in the 2rd tertile of ASMI.

CONCLUSIONS

ASMI was associated with BMI and muscle mass reserve indicators such as CC and DAPMT. In clinical practice, this indicates that simple, low-cost measures with good applicability can be used to predict and track the risk of depletion of skeletal muscle mass and consequent sarcopenia.