Association between Height-Changing Scores and Risk of Sarcopenia Estimated from Anthropometric Measurements in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Anthropometric assessments are commonly used to diagnose sarcopenia in older adults. However, the ongoing exploration of novel approaches aims to improve the early detection of sarcopenia. This study investigated the association between the height-changing score (HCS) and the risk of sarcopenia defined by anthropometric measurements in 340 older adults (mean age: 66.2 years). The HCS derived from the difference in height and demi-span equivalent height (DEH) was used as an indicator of declining height in the older adults. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between the HCS and the risk of sarcopenia in both male and female older adults (OR = 1.146, 95% CI [1.021, 1.286], p = 0.021). In addition, income, BMI, and nutritional status were significantly associated with the risk of sarcopenia (OR = -1.933, 95% CI [0.271, 0.986], p = 0.045; OR = -2.099, 95% CI [0.386, 0.587], p < 0.001; OR = -1.443, 95% CI [0.555, 0.866], p = 0.001, respectively). The white blood cell count, lymphocyte count, and HDL cholesterol were blood biomarkers significantly correlated with calf circumference. It can be suggested that the HCS acts as an indicator and screening tool for sarcopenia risk in older adults, highlighting the potential impact of decreased height on muscle mass loss. Encouraging nutritional support can help mitigate the risk of sarcopenia.

Association between glycaemic control and malnutrition in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study.

Malnutrition is a major problem among older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Some studies suggest that well glycaemic control increases the risk of frailty due to reduced intake. Therefore, it could be hypothesised that adequate glycaemic controlled patients may be at risk of malnutrition. This study aimed to examine, in older adults with T2DM, the association between adequate glycaemic control and malnutrition as well as identify the risk factors for malnutrition. Data including general characteristics, health status, depression, functional abilities, cognition and nutrition status were analysed. Poor nutritional status is defined as participants assessed with the Mini Nutritional Assessment as being at risk of malnutrition or malnourished. Adequate glycaemic control refers to an HbA1c level that meets the target base in the American Diabetes Association 2022 guidelines with individualised criteria. There were 287 participants with a median (interquartile range) age of 64 (61-70) years, a prevalence of poor nutrition, 15 %, and adequate glycaemic control, 83·6 %. This study found no association between adequate glycaemic control and poor nutrition (P = 0·67). The factors associated with poor nutritional status were low monthly income (adjusted OR (AOR) 4·66, 95 % CI 1·28, 16·98 for income < £118 and AOR 7·80, 95 % CI 1·74, 34·89 for income £118-355), unemployment (AOR 4·23, 95 % CI 1·51, 11·85) and cognitive impairment (AOR 5·28, 95 % CI 1·56, 17·93). These findings support the notion that older adults with T2DM should be encouraged to maintain adequate glycaemic control without concern for malnutrition, especially those who have low income, unemployment or decreased cognitive functions.

Use of Mindex and Demiquet for assessing nutritional status in older adults.

BACKGROUND: The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) is a validated questionnaire that estimates nutritional status. Given that this questionnaire uses stature measurement, which are unreliable in older adults, Mindex and Demiquet are alternatives to BMI for assessing malnutrition risk. However, the correlation of Mindex and Demiquet values with MNA scores has not been investigated. OBJECTIVES: This cross-sectional study examined the correlation of Mindex and Demiquet with nutritional status and blood parameters in older adults in Thailand. METHODS: The correlation of Mindex and Demiquet with MNA scores and body mass index (BMI), as well as blood parameters, was evaluated. Sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, and blood test results were collected from 347 participants aged 60 years and older (mean ± SD, 66.4 ± 5.3 years). Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and multiple logistic regression analyses were used in statistical analyses. RESULTS: MNA scores were significantly correlated with Mindex (P < 0.001) and Demiquet (P = 0.001), and BMI was related to Mindex and Demiquet (P < 0.001). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) predicted MNA scores (P = 0.048) in males but not females. CONCLUSIONS: Mindex and Demiquet values were positively correlated with MNA scores and BMI. In addition, LDL-C predicted MNA scores in male older adults.

The Strong Correlation Between Pain Interference and Abnormal Nutritional Status in Older Adults With Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain.

OBJECTIVES: Musculoskeletal pain, one of the most common issues faced by older adults, has multidimensional effects including an increased risk of malnutrition. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between pain interference and nutritional status in older adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, data were collected from older adults (age: >60 years) using the brief pain inventory and mini nutritional assessment questionnaire. The correlation between pain interference, pain severity, and nutritional status was assessed using the chi-square test and Spearman's rank correlation. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the variables associated with abnormal nutrition status. RESULTS: Overall 241 older adults were recruited in the study. The median (IQR) age of the participants was 70 (11) years, pain severity subscale was 4.2 (1.8), and pain interference subscale was 3.3 (3.1). Abnormal nutritional status was positively correlated with pain interference (Odds ratio [OR]: 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-1.48; P = .004), pain severity (OR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.02-1.53; P = .034), age (OR 1.06; 95% CI: 1.01-1.11, P = .011), and hypertension (OR = 2.17; 95% CI: 1.11-4.26; P = .024). CONCLUSIONS: This study reports a strong correlation between pain interference and nutritional status. Therefore, pain interference can be a useful pain assessment tool to indicate risk of abnormal nutritional status in older adults. In addition, related factors, including age, underweight, and hypertension, were associated with a higher risk of malnutrition.

Effects of active scapular correction on cervical range of motion, pain, and pressure pain threshold in patients with chronic neck pain and depressed scapula: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Correction of scapular alignment is advocated as a component for alleviating symptoms for patients with neck pain. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to examine the effect of active scapular correction on cervical range of motion (ROM), pain, and pressure pain threshold (PPT) in patients with chronic neck pain with depressed scapula. METHODS: A randomized control trial research design was conducted. Twenty-eight participants with chronic neck pain and depressed scapula were randomly assigned to either the intervention (n = 14) or control (n = 14) group. Active cervical rotation ROM, pain at maximum cervical rotation, and PPT over the upper trapezius muscle region were measured at baseline and post active scapular correction. RESULTS: The participants in the intervention group showed significantly greater active cervical rotation ROM and less pain at maximum cervical rotation than the control group, both on the ipsilateral (p < 0.01) and contralateral (p < 0.05) sides of the depressed scapula. No significant difference in PPT between the groups was demonstrated (p = 0.194). CONCLUSION: Active scapular correction intervention resulted in an immediate increase in active cervical rotation ROM and a decrease in neck pain at maximum cervical rotation.