Deakin University
Browse

File(s) not publicly available

Associations of calf inter- and intra-muscular adipose tissue with cardiometabolic health and physical function in community-dwelling older adults

journal contribution
posted on 2015-12-01, 00:00 authored by David ScottDavid Scott, T Trbojevic, E Skinner, R A Clark, P Levinger, T P Haines, Kerrie Sanders, P R Ebeling
Objectives: To determine associations of inter- and intra-muscular adipose tissue (IMAT) with cardiometabolic health and physical function in older adults. Methods: 48 community-dwelling older adults aged ≥65 years (mean 71.6±4.8 years; 52% women) underwent whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, to assess appendicular lean mass (ALM), and peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT; 66% tibia), to assess calf IMAT cross-sectional area ([CSA]; cm2) and muscle density (mg/cm3; higher values indicate lower fat infiltration). Fasting glucose, lipids, triglycerides and C-reactive protein (CRP) were analysed. Physical function was assessed by postural sway (computerised posturography; N=41), and gait analysis (GAITRite Electronic Walkway; N=40). Results: Higher IMAT CSA and muscle density were associated with significantly higher (B=0.85 95%CI [0.34, 1.36]) and lower (-2.14 [-4.20, -0.08]) CRP and higher (0.93 [0.56, 1.30]) and lower postural sway (-3.12 [-4.74, -1.50]), respectively, after adjustment for age, sex and ALM/BMI. Higher IMAT CSA was associated with slower gait speed and cadence, and greater step time and step width (all P<0.03), while higher muscle density was associated with smaller step width (P<0.01) only. Conclusions: Older adults with higher calf IMAT have poorer balance, mobility and inflammatory status. Interventions aimed at improving physical function in older adults should incorporate strategies to reduce IMAT.

History

Journal

Journal of Musculoskeletal Neuronal Interactions

Volume

15

Issue

4

Pagination

350 - 357

ISSN

1108-7161

Publication classification

C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal