Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to determine whether risk factors for pre-sarcopenia can be identified in a sample of early middle-aged men and women.
Design: Prospective study
Setting: Longitudinal data from the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study were used to investigate the relationship between pre-sarcopenia at age 45 and selected early markers at age 26, 32 and 38.
Participants: Longitudinal data from 899 participants from the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study.
Main outcome measures: Pre-sarcopenia was defined as low relative appendicular lean mass index assessed by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, and low strength assessed by grip strength. Logistic regressions were used to describe the association between selected markers and pre-sarcopenia at age 45.
Results: Multivariate logistic regression revealed that a higher body mass index (BMI) at age 26, 32 and 38 was associated with lower likelihood of pre-sarcopenia at age 45, in both males and females (OR range 0.46 - 0.64). Higher age-normative grip strength at age 38 in both males and females (OR range 0.88 – 0.92) was also associated with lower likelihood for pre-sarcopenia. Lastly, lower self-perceived physical fitness level in males at age 38 was associated with an increased likelihood of pre-sarcopenia at age 45 (OR 9.35, 95%CI 3.28-26.70)).
Conclusions: BMI and strength were associated with lower likelihood of pre-sarcopenia during middle-age. A higher likelihood of pre-sarcopenia was associated with sex-specific lower self-perceived physical fitness. These modifiable biomarkers may serve as targets for clinical screening and early intervention aimed at slowing or preventing progression to sarcopenia in older age.