Title:Association of Body Composition with Functional Capacity and Cognitive
Function in Older Adults Living in Nursing Homes
Volume: 15
Issue: 1
Author(s): Pinelopi S. Stavrinou*, George Aphamis, Eleni Andreou, Marios Pantzaris and Christoforos D. Giannaki
Affiliation:
- Department of Life & Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
- University of Nicosia Research Foundation, Nicosia, Cyprus
Keywords:
Elderly, lean body mass, body fat, strength, cognition, long-term care facilities.
Abstract: Background: Older adults living in nursing homes have an increased risk of adverse outcomes.
However, the role of body composition in vital health and quality of life parameters such as
functional capacity and cognitive function is less studied in this group of older adults compared to
community-dwelling counterparts.
Objective: The aim of the present study was to examine the association of body composition with
functional capacity and cognitive function in nursing home residents.
Methods: Fifty-three older adults (82.8 ± 7.3 years) were enrolled in this study and they underwent
body composition evaluation, functional capacity and cognitive function measurements.
Results: The results showed a high prevalence of obesity accompanied by functional capacity limitations
and cognitive impairment in older adults living in nursing homes. Partial correlations, controlling
for age, showed that body fat percentage was positively correlated with sit-to-stand-5 (r =
0.310, p = 0.025) and timed-up-and-go (r = 0.331, p = 0.017), and negatively correlated with handgrip
strength test results (r = -0.431, p<0.001), whereas greater lean body mass was associated with
better sit-to-stand-5 (r = -0.410, p = 0.003), handgrip strength (r=0.624, p<0.001) and cognitive
function performance (r = 0.302, p = 0.037).
Conclusions: These important associations reinforce the need to develop effective healthy lifestyle
interventions targeting both lean mass and body fat to combat functional and cognitive decline in
nursing home residents.