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Publications

Journal Article Ahead of print

PubMed: 42009825 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-49574-0

Sarcopenia and physical performance among older adults with increased body mass index and falls.

Sci Rep

Authors: Nurul Nabilah Akmal Hashim, Sumaiyah Mat, Phyo Kyaw Myint, Mirela Delibegovic, Sheng Hui Kioh, Shahrul Bahyah Kamaruzzaman, Noran Naqiah Hairi, Selina Khoo, Maw Pin Tan

Affiliations

  • Ageing and Age-Associated Disorders Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
  • Physiotherapy Program and Center for Healthy Ageing and Wellness, Faculty of Health Sciences (H-CARE), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
  • Ageing Clinical and Experimental Research Team, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK.
  • Aberdeen Cardiovascular and Diabetes Centre, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK.
  • Department of Chiropractic, Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CCAM), International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
  • Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
  • Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Practice, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
  • Faculty of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
  • Ageing and Age-Associated Disorders Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
  • Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
  • Faculty of Healthcare and Medical Sciences, Sunway University, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.

Abstract

Adiposity-related mechanisms likely impair performance and dynamic balance, leading to fall. This study aims to assess the role of sarcopenia and physical performance tests in predicting falls among individuals with increased body mass index (BMI) (≥ 25 kg/m 2) compared to those with normal BMI (< 25 kg/m 2). This cross-sectional study recruited 604 community-dwelling adults (≥ 60 years). Body composition, fall history, sarcopenia, timed-up and go (TUG), handgrip strength (HGS), and gait speed (GS) were assessed. Participants were grouped by BMI and fall history. Logistic regression model was adjusted for potential confounders. Individuals with increased BMI had higher odds of sarcopenia than non-fallers with normal BMI. Among BMI < 25 kg/m 2 fallers, low GS was higher (OR (95% CI) 1.64 (1.04-2.58)), but was attenuated by comorbidities. Low TUG was significant in both BMI groups, but only remained significant for normal BMI fallers (OR (95% CI) 3.74 (1.31-10.72)), potentially due to anthropometric measures. Reduced HGS was significant within BMI ≥ 25 kg/m 2, but was influenced by fat percentage. HGS demonstrated better discriminatory ability for falls in older adults with increased BMI. The higher odds of sarcopenia among fallers with high BMI highlight the need for intervention studies addressing sarcopenic obesity as a growing risk factor for falls.

MeSH

Body Mass Index, Accidental Falls, History, Sarcopenia