Original Article
Role of calf circumference in the evaluation and diagnosis of sarcopenia in the elderly in Shanghai
Bai Huijing, Sun Jianqin, Chen Min, Xie Hua, Xu Danfeng, Chen Yanqiu, Zong Min, Xiao Fei
Published 2020-02-28
Cite as Chin J Clin Nutr, 2020, 28(1): 39-43. DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn115822-20190315-00040
Abstract
ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between calf circumference and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) index, handgrip strength and gait speed in the elderly in Shanghai, and to explore the optimal cut-off point of calf circumference as a simple proxy marker of skeletal muscle mass, strength and function.
MethodsA total of 2 294 participants were recruited from physical examination centers in Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University and 4 communities (954 males and 1 340 females) with an average age of (71.6±8.7) years. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM), Upper (UMM) and lower (LMM) limbs skeletal muscle mass were measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The ASM index (ASM/height2) were calculated.Gait speed was measured.Muscle strength was measured by handgrip strength using an electronic hand dynamometer.Height, weight, right calf circumference and waist circumference were measured.
ResultsThe age, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and gait speed were not statistically different (all P>0.05) between both genders. Height, weight, ASM, ASM/height2, UMM, LMM, handgrip strength, calf circumference were significantly higher in men than in women (all P<0.05). The calf circumference of the elderly with age ≥ 80 was significantly lower than that of the 70-79 age group and 60-69 age group (P<0.05). The calf circumference of older women (age≥80) was significantly lower than that of the elderly women in the 70-79 age group and 60-69 age group (P<0.05). Calf circumference was correlated negatively with age(P<0.01) and positively with ASM/height2, height, weight, BMI, handgrip strength, UMM and LMM(P<0.01). There was no correlation between calf circumference and gait speed (P>0.05). In the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), the cut-off value of calf circumference for low muscle mass was 35.1 cm for male(specificity, 0.721; sensitivity, 0.803, ROC, 0.809) and 33.6 cm for female(specificity, 0.774; sensitivity, 0.778; ROC, 0.827).
ConclusionsCalf circumference decreases with ageing in the elderly. The optimal cut-off value of calf circumference for low muscle mass is 35.1 cm for males and 33.6 cm for females. We should pay attention to the importance of calf circumference in evaluation and diagnosis of sarcopenia.
Key words:
Sarcopenia; Calf circumference; Handgrip strength; Skeletal muscle mass; Skeletal muscle strength; Skeletal muscle function
Contributor Information
Bai Huijing
Clinical Nutrition Center, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
Sun Jianqin
Clinical Nutrition Center, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
Chen Min
Clinical Nutrition Center, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
Xie Hua
Clinical Nutrition Center, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
Xu Danfeng
Clinical Nutrition Center, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
Chen Yanqiu
Clinical Nutrition Center, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
Zong Min
Clinical Nutrition Center, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
Xiao Fei
Clinical Nutrition Center, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
