Dynapenic obesity and lower extremity function in elderly adults

Abstract

Objectives: Little is known about the relationship between dynapenic obesity and physical function in older Asian populations. This study aimed to examine the relationship of dynapenic obesity and lower extremity function in Chinese elderly adults.

Methods: Data were from a cross-sectional study (n = 616). Based on the World Health Organization Asian Criteria of Obesity and handgrip strength tertiles, 4 independent groups were classified as follows: nondynapenia/nonobesity, dynapenia-alone, obesity-alone, and dynapenic obesity. Lower extremity function was evaluated with a 20-meter gait speed test, balance test, and self-reported mobility disability.

Results: Compared with the dynapenic obesity group, the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidential intervals (CIs) for slow gait speed in men were 0.55 (0.27-0.86) in the nondynapenia/nonobesity group, 0.78 (0.31-0.96) in the dynapenia-alone group, and 0.86 (0.16-0.95) in the obesity-alone group. The corresponding ORs (95% CIs) in women were 0.46 (0.27-0.71), 0.80 (0.17-0.93), and 0.73 (0.15-0.91), respectively. Compared with the dynapenic obesity group, the adjusted ORs (95% CIs) for mobility disability in men were 0.41 (0.26-0.62) in the nondynapenia/nonobesity group, 0.61 (0.16-0.85) in the dynapenia-alone group, and 0.72 (0.28-0.88) in the obesity-alone group. The corresponding ORs (95% CIs) in women were 0.37 (0.17-0.81), 0.51 (0.27-0.96), and 0.53 (0.26-0.83), respectively. No significant difference was observed among the 4 groups with respect to the balance test score in both sexes (P < .01).

Conclusions: Dynapenic obesity was associated with a greater risk of slow gait speed and mobility disability compared with dynapenia-alone or obesity-alone.

Keywords: Dynapenia; dynapenic obesity; gait speed; mobility disability.