Effects of Sarcopenia Levels on Body Composition, Skeletal Muscle Mass and Muscle Function of the Elderly Male in Rural Areas

Objectives This study conducted to investigate the changes in body composition, muscle strength and muscle function according to the level of sarcopenia of male elderly living in rural areas. Methods Body composition, circumference of body, muscle strength and muscle function were measured in 130 male elderly people and divided into three groups as follows: NG group (normal control group, n=48), SG group (sarcopenia group, n=41), and SSG group (severe sarcopenia group, n=41). Results In body composition, the body fat percentage and extracellular water ratio in the SG and SSG groups were significantly higher than those in the NG groups. The circumference of femoral and thigh, skeletal muscle index(SMI), and skeletal muscle mass were significantly lower in the order of SSG, SG, and NG group. The grip strength and leg extension strength showed significantly lower results in the order of SSG group, SG group, and NG group, but when sitting and standing up, the SSG group showed significantly higher time than SG group and NG group. Conclusions From the above results, male elderly people in rural areas showed obese sarcopenia due to increased body fat accumulation and result in decreased skeletal muscle mass and muscle strength. In particular, it was suggested that the elderly of severe sarcopenia was shown to movement restrictions and the risk of falls caused by reduced muscle function.