Title:Systemic Inflammation in Sarcopenia Alter Functional Capacity in Thai
Community-dwelling Older People: A Preliminary Observational Study
Volume: 15
Issue: 3
Author(s): Kornanong Yuenyongchaiwat*Chareeporn Akekawatchai
Affiliation:
- Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, 12120, Thailand
- Research Unit for Physical Therapy in Respiratory and Cardiovascular Systems, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand
Keywords:
Sarcopenia, inflammatory markers, functional capacity, older people, prevalence, community.
Abstract:
Background: Sarcopenia is linked to the loss of muscle mass in older adults, leading to
impaired functional capacity and quality of life. In addition, this finding was recognized as an agerelated
chronic inflammatory process. We aimed to determine the relationship between sarcopenia,
functional capacity, and inflammatory biomarkers and subsequent prediction of inflammatory biomarkers
in older adults.
Methods: A total of 126 women and men aged ≥ 60 years were enrolled. Participants were required
to complete a handgrip dynamometer, 6-meter walk test, and bioimpedance analysis. Diagnosis
was based on the definition of sarcopenia from the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia
2019. Prior to performing a 6-minute walking test (i.e., functional capacity testing), blood samples
were drawn for a C-reactive protein (CRP) test.
Results: A total of 12.70% were categorized as having sarcopenia. Significant differences in CRP
and functional capacity between the sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups were found (p <.05).
Older people with high CRP levels had significantly reduced functional capacity and slow gait
speed.
Conclusions: Poor functional capacity was associated with increased CRP levels, which might be
due to the development of age-related inflammation. Older patients with sarcopenia may be at
higher risk for functional decline.
