Correlation between muscle mass, nutritional status and physical performance of elderly people

Objectives: This study evaluated the relationship between the skeletal muscle mass (SMM), obtained by predictive equations, and the body composition, nutritional aspects, functionality and physical performance in elderly people. Methods: The sample consisted of adults aged 65 years or over from the cross-sectional study of the Brazilian Elderly Frailty Study Network, in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso State, Brazil. The anthropometric parameters, instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and handgrip strength (HGS) were evaluated. The SMM was estimated by 2 predictive anthropometric equations. Results: Both SMM equations correlated with age, anthropometric indices, SPPB, IADL, and HGS. However, only HGS and neck circumference strongly correlated in both equations, being higher in SMM II. Conclusions: It seems that both equations are sensitive to obtain the SMM, contributing to the diagnosis of sarcopenia, nutritional status, and a physical performance condition. Keywords: Muscle mass, Functionality, Strength, Elderl