Determining the Protective Effects of Long‐Term Physical Activity, Exercise, Mental Health, and Employment on Sarcopenia—A Result of a Feasibility Study of a Registry

ABSTRACT Objectives Sarcopenia, an age‐related muscle disease, is influenced by a variety of factors, making it essential to explore the associations of physical activity, psychological health, employment, and exercise with this condition in a healthy, well‐nourished population. Method This study was conducted with 766 healthy adults to assess these relationships based on EWGSOP2. Participants completed the IPAQ and provided a work and exercise history. Mental health was evaluated using BDI‐13 and DASS‐21. Result Physical activity, both current and past, was significanly associated with a lower odds of sarcopenia. Employment status and type of work were also associated with odds of sarcopenia. Participation in sports and exercise duration were linked to decreased odds (OR = 0.687 (95% CI = 0.600–0.787), p < 0.005), with specific activities like swimming and certain traditional Iranian sports showing strong associations. Psychological factors such as scores of depression (OR = 1.149 (95% CI = 1.112–1.189), p < 0.005), anxiety (OR = 1.233 (95% CI = 1.176–1.293), p < 0.005), and stress (OR = 1.084 (95% CI = 1.056–1.114), p < 0.005) were associated with an increased odds of sarcopenia. The multivariable analyses confirmed the independent relationships of physical activity and some mental health components with sarcopenia. Predictive models highlighted the importance of physical activity, exercise, and employment status as key variables associated with sarcopenia. Conclusion This study revealed that higher work engagement, better mental health components (including lower stress, depression, and anxiety), higher levels of physical activity and, longer duration of exercise, and engaging in specific types of exercise may be related to lower odds of sarcopenia.