Sarcopenia and Age-Related Changes in Body Composition in Korean Older Persons

We examined the prevalence of sarcopenia and age-related changes in body composition in Korean older persons. Community dwelling 77 men and 65 women($60{\sim}88\;yr$) were recruited for this study. Fat-free mass and the percent body fat were determined using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Isometric grip strength was measurement using grip strength dynamometer. Serum levels of fasting glucose, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and triglyceride were assayed. The prevalence of sarcopenia was found to increase with aging (men in their sixties 82.6%, seventies 96.6% and eighties 100%, and women in their sixties 47.4%, seventies 63%). In both gender groups, handgrip strength was inversely correlated with age and positively correlated with height, lean mass, and fat free mass. Better handgrip strength was related with higher weight in the men and with lower heart rate in the women. Fat free mass, age, and gender were found to be independent factors significantly associated with handgrip strength in the multivariate analysis. In summary, results of the present study suggest that handgrip strength is well associated with age, gender, and fat free mass and the prevalence of sarcopenia is increased with age and is exceeded by 40% among Korean persons older than 60 years.