Short physical performance battery and body composition in older Icelandic adults

Background

Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference are indicators of body composition and have been linked with with physical function in adults. Higher BMI, particularly when accompanied by excess fat, can lead to reduced mobility. Conversely, low BMI in adults may signal sarcopenia, also impairing physical function. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between indicators of body fatness and physical function in older adults (82±6 years) frequently using day-care services provided by the nursing homes in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 73 community dwelling older adults (65.8% women, BMI=28.2±5.7). Anthropometric measurements were conducted ad physical function was tested using the short physical performance battery (SPPB). Questionnaires were used to assess general characteristics of the participants.

Results

Women and men had similar BMI (28.7±6.5 vs.27.2±3.8 kg/m2) and waist circumference (99±15 vs.101±9 cm), respectively. However, women were more often presented in the highest and lowest quintiles of BMI and waist than men (P = 0.006).The unadjusted mean SPPB scores in the BMI quintiles ranged from 7.9±3.5 to 8.9±2.7 (n.s. different) and 6.9±3.4 to 9.1±17 in the waist quintiles (n.s. different) without any apparent clear pattern linked to body composition. Statistical correction for age, gender and medications did not change these associations. Further investigation of the three components of SPPB (balance, gait speed, chair test) did neither reveal any associations with indicators of body fatness.

Conclusions

Poor physical function was frequently seen in older adults using day-care services provided by nursing homes. However, at that age measures of body fatness do not longer seem to be associated with physical function. It can be speculated whether physical function at that age might be rather associated with disease, medications and muscle quality.

Key messages

• Poor physical function iss frequently seen in older adults using day-care services provided by Icelandic nursing homes.

• At higher age, body fatness is not longer associated with physical function. Physical function at higher age might be rather associated with disease, medications and muscle quality.