Background: Sarcopenia is characterised by an accelerated loss of skeletal muscle mass and function. It is associated with numerous adverse health outcomes including an increased risk for falls, hospitalisation, and mortality. Studies examining the relationship between sarcopenia and aspects of QoL are scarce.
Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 339 women and 343 men (aged 60–96 years) from the Geelong Osteoporosis Study. Sarcopenia was defined according to the EWGSOP2 algorithm. Appendicular lean mass (ALM) was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Handgrip strength (HGS) was used to assess muscle function and the timed up-and-go test was used to assess physical performance. The WHOQoL-BREF was used to assess quality of life. Associations between sarcopenia and WHOQoL-BREF domains (physical, psychological, social relationships and environment) were investigated using multivariable logistic regression while testing for potential confounding.
Results: Based on the EWGSOP2 algorithm, 57 participants (8.4%) had probable sarcopenia (low HGS strength), 12 (1.8%) had confirmed sarcopenia (low HGS and low ALM), and two were considered to have severe sarcopenia (low HGS, low ALM, and poor physical performance). The number of participants with confirmed sarcopenia was too small for meaningful analyses. However, associations between probable sarcopenia and QoL domains were assessed. In adjusted models, probable sarcopenia was associated with poor QoL in domains of physical health [OR 2.35 (95% CI 1.22-4.52) p = 0.010] and psychological [OR 2.22 (95% CI 1.19-4.12) p = 0.012]. No associations were detected between probable sarcopenia and the social relationships or environment domains.
Conclusion: Older men and women with low HGS were more likely to have poor physical- and psychological-related QoL. Our findings reinforce the importance of muscle function for good QoL. Interventions to prevent or manage sarcopenia among older adults may contribute to better QoL for this population.