Title

Gender Differences in Anthropometric Predictors of Physical Performance in Older Adults

Authors

Authors

M. S. Fragala; M. H. Clark; S. J. Walsh; A. Kleppinger; J. O. Judge; G. A. Kuchel;A. M. Kenny

Comments

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Abbreviated Journal Title

Gend. Med.

Keywords

aging; body composition; muscle strength; muscle mass; physical function; SKELETAL-MUSCLE MASS; LOWER-EXTREMITY PERFORMANCE; BODY-COMPOSITION; FUNCTIONAL IMPAIRMENT; ELDERLY-MEN; NHANES-I; WOMEN; DISABILITY; SARCOPENIA; STRENGTH; Medicine, General & Internal

Abstract

Background: Both high body fat and low muscle mass have been associated with physical disability in older adults. However, men and women differ markedly in body composition; men generally have more absolute and relative lean muscle mass and less fat mass than women. It is not known how these anthropometric differences differentially affect physical ability in men and women. Objectives: This study examines differences in anthropometric predictors of physical performance in older women and men. Methods: Participants were 470 older women and men 72.9 (7.9) years of age. Body composition was measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Maximum leg strength and power were measured using a leg press. Muscle quality (MO) was calculated as relative strength (leg press strength per kilogram of leg muscle mass). Gait speed and chair rise were used to assess mobility performance and functional strength. Results: Body mass index (BMI), age, and MQ emerged as predictors (P < 0.05) of functional strength and mobility in men and women somewhat differently. After accounting for age and sample, leg MQ was related to chair rise time and gait speed in men but not women. BMI was related to gait speed in both men and women, but BMI was related to chair rise time only in women. Conclusion: Results implicate the prioritized importance of healthy weight and muscle maintenance in older women and men for maintained physical functioning with aging. (Gend Med. 2012;9:445-456) (c) 2012 Elsevier HS Journals, Inc. All rights reserved.

Journal Title

Gender Medicine

Volume

9

Issue/Number

6

Publication Date

1-1-2014

Document Type

Article

Language

English

First Page

445

Last Page

456

WOS Identifier

WOS:000312676000008

ISSN

1550-8579

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