Osteoporos Sarcopenia.  2020 Jun;6(2):59-64. 10.1016/j.afos.2020.05.003.

Association of height loss with falls and sarcopenia in communitydwelling older women

• Asahi R
• Yuguchi S
• Kamo T
• Azami M
• Ogihara H
• Asano S

• KMID: 2503944
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.afos.2020.05.003

Abstract

Objectives
Height loss is associated with vertebral fracture risk and osteoporosis. We assumed that height loss may indicate the risk of falls because the presence of osteoporosis is significantly associated with sarcopenia development. We studied the association of height loss with falls and sarcopenia.
Methods
This study included 610 community-dwelling women. We measured the height, weight, appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), grip strength, and gait speed. Additionally, we recorded the individual’s tallest height, and the presence or absence of single or multiple falls during the preceding 12 months. The participants were classified into nonheight loss, 2- to 3-cm height loss, 3- to 4-cm height loss, and over 4-cm height loss groups. The association of height loss with falls and sarcopenia were examined using multiple logistic regression analysis.
Results
We found that 3- to 4-cm height loss and over 4-cm height loss were significantly associated with falls (odds ratio [OR], 1.637; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.023e2.619; P ¼ 0.04), (OR, 1.742, 95% CI, 1.054e2.877; P ¼ 0.03), respectively. Additionally, over 4-cm height loss was significantly associated with sarcopenia for ASMI calculated by participant’s tallest recalled height squared (OR, 2.676; 95% CI, 1.122 e6.284; P ¼ 0.026).
Conclusions
We found that the risk of falls was advanced at 3- to 4-cm height loss and over 4-cm height loss, and sarcopenia started at over 4-cm height loss. Height loss may be a useful indicator of the risk of falls and sarcopenia.

Keyword

Community-dwelling older women; Height loss; Falls; Trunk skeletal muscle mass; Sarcopenia