Abstract

CANDA, Alicia S.. Anthropometric parameters' cut-off points for diagnosis of sarcopenia. Nutr. Hosp. [online]. 2015, vol.32, n.2, pp.765-770. ISSN 1699-5198.  https://dx.doi.org/10.3305/nh.2015.32.2.9193.

Introduction: sarcopenia is a syndrome characterized by loss of muscle mass associated with reduced muscle strength and/or reduced functional capacity. The ageing of our population is producing an increase of the prevalence related with age in addition to other factors related to malnutrition and certain diseases. The aim of this study was to provide a tool for diagnosing sarcopenia while determining in an accessible way the loss of muscle mass. Material and methods: an anthropometric standardized protocol was completed on 883 men and 506 women, healthy and active, aged 20-39 years. The following muscular development indices were calculated: body circumferences (upper arm, forearm, thigh, and calf) corrected circumferences (upper arm, thigh and calf), cross-sectional area (CSA, upper arm, thigh, and calf) and whole- body muscle mass (kg), and as a percentage (%) and in relation to height (kg/m²) by Lee's equation. The cutoff point was established as the 2.5 percentile (lower endpoint of the 95% confidence interval) for the analyzed studied. Results: significant differences by gender (p < 0.0001) were found in all the indicators analyzed. The cut-off points of the loss of skeletal muscle mass were 9,1 kg/m² in men; and 7.3 kg/m² in women. And in the CSA (cm²), men vs. women: upper arm, 37.7 vs. 24.2; , thigh, 154.3 vs. 115.8; and calf, 78.8 vs. 60.2. Conclusions: there is sexual dimorphism which requires considering differentiated diagnostic criteria. The anthropometric technique can serve as screening method for sarcopenia on the study of large populations.

Keywords : Sarcopenia; Anthropometry; Muscle mass.

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