Effects of Sarcopenia on General Health Status in Elderly: a Population-based Study

Determine the prevalence of sarcopenia using European Wording Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) algorithm in a general elderly population in Algarve region.

Quality of life was assessed at one time point only (due to the nature of the cross-sectional study design) using the subscore and total score of Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey instrument. Instrument scores can range between 0 - 100. Higher values mean better self-perception of quality of life.

Cognitive Assessment was assessed by the instrument Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Instrument with a maximum score of 30 points, where higher scores mean better cognitive performance.

Body mass index (kg/m2) was measured using the bioimpedance technique.

Fat Mass (kg and %) was measured using the bioimpedance technique.

Fat-Free Mass (kg and %) was measured using the bioimpedance technique.

Fat Mass Index (kg/m2) was measured using the bioimpedance technique.

Fat-Free Mass Index (kg/m2) was measured using the bioimpedance technique.

Muscle Mass Index (kg/m2) was measured using the bioimpedance technique.

Total body water (L and %) was measured using the bioimpedance technique.

Resistence (Ohms) was measured using the bioimpedance technique.

Reactance (Ohms) was measured using the bioimpedance technique.

Phase angle was measured using the bioimpedance technique.

Visceral fat (L) was measured using the bioimpedance technique.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (mg/dL) was measured taking a sample blood which was analysed by the COBAS b 101 system.

Low-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (mg/dL) was measured taking a sample blood which was analysed by the COBAS b 101 system.

Triglycerides (mg/dL) was measured taking a sample blood which was analysed by the COBAS b 101 system.

Total cholesterol (mg/dL) was measured taking a sample blood which was analysed by the COBAS b 101 system.

Glicemic Profile was measured by COBAS b 101 system, taking a sample blood which was analysed for Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c).

Inflammatory levels was measured by COBAS b 101 system, taking a sample blood which was analysed for C-reactive protein - CRP.

Nutrional level was assessed at one time point only (due to the nature of the cross-sectional study design) using a questionnaire Mini Nutritional Assessment. Instrument scores can range between 0 - 30. The cutoff points used were: 0-7 points - malnourished; 8-11 points - at risk of malnutrition; 12-24 points - normal nutritional status.

Postural stability was assessed by a force platform using the length displacement of center of pressure.

Peak Torque of Quadriceps and Hamstring Muscles was measured by afixed dynamometer with concentric/concentric action at an angular velocity of 60º per second for 5 repetitions of extension and flexion of each knee.

Work of Quadriceps and Hamstring Muscles was measured by afixed dynamometer with concentric/concentric action at an angular velocity of 60º per second for 5 repetitions of extension and flexion of each knee.

Power of Quadriceps and Hamstring Muscles was measured by afixed dynamometer with concentric/concentric action at an angular velocity of 60º per second for 5 repetitions of extension and flexion of each knee.

Peak torque time of Quadriceps and Hamstring Muscles was measured by afixed dynamometer with concentric/concentric action at an angular velocity of 60º per second for 5 repetitions of extension and flexion of each knee.

Force of Quadriceps and Hamstring Muscles was measured by afixed dynamometer with concentric/concentric action at an angular velocity of 60º per second for 5 repetitions of extension and flexion of each knee.

TUG test measures (in seconds) the time a person needs to rise from a chair with armrests, to walk the distance of 3 m with usual assistive devices, if necessary, turn, return to the chair, and sit down. TUG test is a composite measure of functional mobility. It includes transfer tasks (standing up and sitting down), walking, and turning, thus incorporating neuromuscular components such as power, agility, and balance. Faster test completion signals better dexterity and functional state, whereas the score of ≥13.5 was used as a cut-off point to identify the elderly individuals who are at risk for falls in community dwelling.

The Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES) consists of 14 items to be subjectively evaluated on a scale of 1 to 5 in terms of confidence in the ability of a person to perform daily indoor and outdoor activities without falling. Higher values represent less risk of falling.

Physical activity level was assessed at one time point only (due to the nature of the cross-sectional study design) using the questionnaire PASE - Physical Activity Scale for Elderly. The PASE measures the level of self-reported physical activity in individuals aged 65 years or older and is comprised of items regarding occupational, household, and leisure activities during the previous 7-day period. It was used frequency, duration, and intensity level of activity over the previous week to assign a score, ranging from 0 to 793, with higher scores indicating greater physical activity.

Pain associated with osteoarthritis was mesured by Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC Index) - subscore pain. This instrument is widely used in the evaluation of Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis. It is a self-administered questionnaire consisting of 24 items divided into 3 subscales: Pain (5 items), Stiffness (2 items), and Physical Function (17 items). The test questions are scored on a scale of 0-4, which correspond to: None (0), Mild (1), Moderate (2), Severe (3), and Extreme (4). The scores for each subscale are summed up, with a possible score range of 0-20 for Pain, 0-8 for Stiffness, and 0-68 for Physical Function. Higher scores indicate worse pain, stiffness, and functional limitations.

Pain associated with osteoarthritis was mesured by Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC Index) - subscore pain. This instrument is widely used in the evaluation of Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis. It is a self-administered questionnaire consisting of 24 items divided into 3 subscales: Pain (5 items), Stiffness (2 items), and Physical Function (17 items). The test questions are scored on a scale of 0-4, which correspond to: None (0), Mild (1), Moderate (2), Severe (3), and Extreme (4). The scores for each subscale are summed up, with a possible score range of 0-20 for Pain, 0-8 for Stiffness, and 0-68 for Physical Function. Higher scores indicate worse pain, stiffness, and functional limitations.

Pain associated with osteoarthritis was mesured by Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC Index) - subscore pain. This instrument is widely used in the evaluation of Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis. It is a self-administered questionnaire consisting of 24 items divided into 3 subscales: Pain (5 items), Stiffness (2 items), and Physical Function (17 items). The test questions are scored on a scale of 0-4, which correspond to: None (0), Mild (1), Moderate (2), Severe (3), and Extreme (4). The scores for each subscale are summed up, with a possible score range of 0-20 for Pain, 0-8 for Stiffness, and 0-68 for Physical Function. Higher scores indicate worse pain, stiffness, and functional limitations.

To assess the functionality of the lower limbs, the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) instrument was applied. The lower extremity functional scale is a valid patient-rated outcome measure for the measurement of lower extremity function. The score can vary between 0 and 80, with higher values representing better functionality.

HGS was measured with the handgrip Dynamometer Lafayette Digital 5030D1 in both upper limbs.

Following the World Health Organisation, the "Integrated care for older people" (ICOPE) guidelines, each assessment with Age Care Technologies (ACT) Assessment generates a report which lists identifies concerns and priorities for action, together with several summary scores to measure needs, risks and outcomes, including: Quality of life, Falls risk, Vision, Hearing, Activities of Daily Living, Nutrition, Locomotor, Oral Health, Accommodation, Finances, Cognition, Depression, Loneliness, Social participation, and Violence against older people.