| Abstract [eng] |
The body composition is changing with age: the lean body mass – first of all the skeletal muscle mass and later the bone mineral content – reduces and the fat mass increases, also the regional re-distribution of fat mass occurs. The combination of low muscle mass and low muscle strength or physical performance is called sarcopenia. The aim of this study was to investigate and evaluate the body composition in elderly and the associations of body components in age-related sarcopenia. We examined 151 male and 203 female aged 60 years and older. Body composition was investigated using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. In men with age-related sarcopenia, microbiopsy of skeletal muscle was performed. It was found that in men, the lowest lean mass and bone mineral content (BMC) were at the age of 80 years and older. In women, there were no differences in lean mass between age groups, and the lowest bone mineral content was found in the age group 80 years and older. Bone mineral content was associated with lean mass in both genders, and in women BMC also was associated with fat mass. In men with age-related sarcopenia, appendicular skeletal muscle mass was the most consistently associated with the total body, total hip and femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD). In women, the fat mass was the most significant determinant of bone mineral density. Cross-sectional area of skeletal muscle fiber was positively associated with lean mass, leg muscle mass, thigh circumference and total hip BMD. |
