| Abstract |
This study aimed to compare pulmonary function between functionally sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic older
individuals and to demonstrate the association of sarcopenia with pulmonary function in community-dwelling older
women. Methods: The SARC-F questionnaire, handgrip strength, and gait speed were examined to assess sarcopenia.
To evaluate pulmonary function, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and peak
expiratory flow(PEF) were measured. Independent t-tests or Mann–Whitney U tests were used to compare variables of
pulmonary function (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and PEF), and logistic regression analysis was performed to demonstrate the
association between functional sarcopenia and pulmonary function. Results: Functionally sarcopenic older women showed
significantly lower values of FVC, FEV1, and PEF than non-sarcopenic older women(p<.05). In addition, older women with
low FVC, FEV1, and PEF were less likely to have sarcopenia(p<.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrated differences in
pulmonary function between functionally sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic older women. In addition, a reduction in
pulmonary function (FVC, FEV1, and PEF) measured by spirometry was associated with the presence of functional
sarcopenia in older women. Future longitudinal studies are needed to investigate the effects of improving pulmonary
function on functional sarcopenia through the management and intervention of pulmonary function in older women with
sarcopenia |