Prevalence of Sarcopenia Employing Population-Specific Cut-Points: Cross-Sectional Data from the Geelong Osteoporosis Study, Australia

Background: Prevalence estimates for sarcopenia vary depending on the ascertainment criteria and thresholds applied. We aimed to estimate prevalence of using two international definitions but employing Australian population-specific cut-points. Methods: Participants (n = 665; 323 women) aged 60–96 years old were from Geelong Osteoporosis Study. Handgrip strength (HGS) was measured by dynamometers appendicular lean mass (ALM) whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Physical performance assessed gait speed (GS, men only) and/or timed up-and-go (TUG) test. Using cut-points equivalent standard deviations (SDs) below mean young reference range same population recommendations European Working Group Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP), identified low ALM/height2 (<5.30 kg women; <6.94 men) + HGS (<16 <31 men); slow TUG (>9.3 s); GS (<0.8 m/s). For Foundation National Institutes Health (FNIH) equivalent, as ALM/BMI (<0.512 m2 women, <0.827 men). Receiver Operating Characteristic curves also applied determine optimal (<0.579 <0.913 that discriminated poor physical performance. standardized compared thresholds. Results: HGS, point-estimates 0.9% women 2.9% men. TUG, 2.5% 4.1% men, GS, 1.6% 5.5–10.4% 11.6–18.4% Conclusions: This study highlights result different sarcopenia. While could be pertinent some populations, a consensus is needed identify which deficits skeletal muscle health are important establishing an operational definition