Association between sarcopenia and multiple falls in older adults with musculoskeletal diseases

Abstract Purpose Sarcopenia, a known risk factor for falls, refers to the age-related loss of muscle mass and function. However, its association with multiple falls in older adults with musculoskeletal diseases remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship of sarcopenia with recurrent falls in this population. Methods This cross-sectional observational study enrolled 213 outpatients aged ≥ 60 years with musculoskeletal conditions, of whom 170 were included in the final analysis. Patients with cancer, stroke, or Parkinson’s disease were excluded. Sarcopenia diagnosis was based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2020 criteria using bioelectrical impedance analysis, grip strength, and gait speed. Participants were grouped into three (no, single, and multiple falls) according to their fall history in the previous year. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using logistic regression to determine the association between sarcopenia and falls, adjusting for age, sex, residential area, smoking, alcohol use, and comorbidities. Results Participants’ mean age was 75.6 ± 7.9 years, and sarcopenia prevalence was 25.9%. Furthermore, 12.4% of them reported multiple falls, while 14.7% reported a single fall. Sarcopenia was more prevalent in those with multiple falls than in those without falls (57.1% vs. 20.2%, p = 0.001). Logistic regression revealed that sarcopenia was significantly associated with multiple falls (OR = 4.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.50–11.80), but not with single falls (OR = 1.67, 95% CI: 0.60–4.69). Conclusions Sarcopenia was associated with multiple falls among older adults with musculoskeletal diseases. These findings highlight the importance of assessing muscle strength and physical function in older adults with musculoskeletal conditions and provide insights into their association with recurrent falls.