Background: Sarcopenia is known to have a negative impact on physical functioning and thus quality of life (QoL). QoL is a multidimensional concept, however, studies examining the relationship between sarcopenia and specific aspects of QoL are scarce. The aim of this study was to examine associations between sarcopenia and domains of QoL in older adults.
Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 339 women and 343 men (aged 60–96 years) from the Geelong Osteoporosis Study. Sarcopenia was defined according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) algorithm1. Appendicular lean mass (ALM) was assessed using dual-energy Xray absorptiometry and maximum handgrip strength (HGS) by dynamometry. The World Health Organisation’s abbreviated QoL tool (WHOQoL-BREF) was used to assess QoL across four domains: physical, psychological, social relationships and environment. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify associations between sarcopenia and poor QoL in each WHOQoL-BREF domain while testing for potential confounding.
Results: Forty-five participants (6.6%) had probable sarcopenia (low HGS) and 12 (1.8%) had confirmed sarcopenia (low HGS and low ALM). Sarcopenia (either probable or confirmed) was associated with an increased likelihood for poor physical health-related QoL [OR 2.77 (95% CI 1.31-5.88)] and poor psychological-related QoL [OR 2.69 (95% CI 1.41-5.15)]. These relationships were independent of age, BMI, physical activity, diet, smoking, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. No associations were detected between sarcopenia and the social relationships or environment domains.
Conclusion: Men and women with sarcopenia are more likely to have poor physical health- and psychological-related QoL. These data reinforce the important role skeletal muscle mass and strength have on QoL, beyond physical functioning. Interventions to prevent or manage sarcopenia among older adults may contribute to better QoL for this population.