Assessment of appendicular lean mass using basic anthropometric and functional indicators in women with sarcopenia and osteoporosis

With age, people experience a gradual loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, which is especially critical in women with sarcopenia and osteoporosis. In this study, we examined appendicular lean mass (ALM) in postmenopausal women with sarcopenia and osteoporosis to determine whether simple anthropometric and functional indicators could effectively predict low ALM. The study included 73 women aged 65 years and older, divided into groups based on sarcopenia and osteoporosis presence. Body composition was analyzed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and functional indicators such as handgrip strength and gait speed were measured. Regression analysis revealed that age, BMI, handgrip strength, and gait speed were significant predictors of ALM. The study concludes that these simple and non-invasive indicators can be used to assess muscle mass in older women with sarcopenia and osteoporosis, facilitating early diagnosis and intervention strategies.