Relationship between calf circumference and skeletal muscle mass, strength and function in the elderly

Abstract

Objective To investigate the relationship between calf circumference and skeletal muscle mass, strength and function in the elderly in Shanghai. Methods A total of 401 old people were recruited from physical examination centers in our hospital with the mean age of (71.8±7.4) years, including 202 males and 199 females.Adipose tissue, skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) were measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. The ASM index (ASM/height2) and SMM index (SMM/height2) were calculated.Muscle function was measured by testing gait speed (m/s). Muscle strength was measured by handgrip strength(HGS) using an electronic hand dynamometer, with the dominant hand gripping for three times and taking the maximum value.Height, weight, right calf circumference and waist circumference were measured. Results Height, weight, ASM, ASM/height2, SMM, SMM/height2 and HGS were significantly higher in men than in women (P<0.01); adipose tissue was significantly higher in women than in men (P<0.05). The age, body mass index, calf circumference, waist circumference and gait speed were not statistically different (P=0.426, P=0.143, P=0.425, P=0.093, P=0.143). There were linear correlations between calf circumference and height, weight, BMI, waist circumference, ASM, ASM/height2, adipose tissue, grip strength, SMM and SMM/height2 (P=0.001, P<0.001, P<0.001, P<0.001, P<0.001, P<0.001, P<0.001, P=0.003, P<0.001, P<0.001). There was no linear correlation between calf circumference and pace and age (P=0.818, P=0.078). Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that height, BMI, ASM/height2 and SMM were correlated with the calf circumference. Conclusions Skeletal muscle mass and strength are higher in men than in women, while adipose tissue is higher in women than in men. Skeletal musle mass is an important factor affecting the calf circumference. There is a linear correlation between skeletal muscle strength and calf circumference. Key words: Calf circumference; Hand strength; Skeletal muscle mass