Abstract
Objectives
To investigate the impact of body mass index (BMI) (normal weight, overweight, obese) on the relationship between muscle quality (MQ) and physical function in community-dwelling older women.
Design
Cross-sectional study.
Setting
University research laboratory.
Participants
Community-dwelling older women (n = 94, 73.6 ± 5.4 y) stratified by BMI (normal weight: 20.0–24.9 kg/m2; overweight: 25.0–29.9 kg/m2; obese: ≥ 30.0 kg/m2).
Measurements
Body mass index using height and weight, leg extension power via the Nottingham power rig, body composition using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and physical function (6-minute walk, 8-foot up-and-go, 30-second chair stand). Muscle quality was defined as leg power (watts) normalized for lower-body mineral-free lean mass (kg).
Results
Following adjustments for covariates, muscle quality was significantly higher in women of normal BMI compared to overweight (10.0 ± 0.4 vs 8.7 ± 0.4 watts/kg, p = 0.03). Muscle quality was a significant predictor of performance on the 6-minute walk and 8-foot up-and-go in normal and overweight women (all p < 0.05) and performance on the 30-second chair stand in normal and obese women (both p < 0.05). Body mass index did not significantly impact the association between MQ and physical function (all p > 0.05).
Conclusions
Muscle quality varies by BMI, yet the relationship to physical function is not significantly different across BMI groups. The results imply that interventions that increase MQ in older women may improve physical function, regardless of BMI.
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Brady, A.O., Straight, C.R., Schmidt, M.D. et al. Impact of body mass index on the relationship between muscle quality and physical function in older women. J Nutr Health Aging 18, 378–382 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-013-0421-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-013-0421-0