Severity of sarcopenia is associated with postural balance and risk of falls in community-dwelling older women

Background/Study context: Falls represent the leading cause of accidental deaths in the elderly. Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome defined as the loss of muscle mass and strength. However, the association between falls and sarcopenia is still unclear. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the association between different stages of sarcopenia and postural balance, risk of falls, and fear of falling in community-dwelling older women. Methods: A total of 196 women (68.6 +/- 6.5years) underwent body composition (Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry), muscle strength (isokinetic), and functional (Timed Up-and-Go) assessments. Sarcopenia was classified according to European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People. Center of pressure (CoP) sway, risk, and fear of falling were assessed through force platform, QuickScreen, and Falls Efficacy Scale, respectively. ANOVA models and chi-squared were used to compare groups. Results: Severe sarcopenic subjects presented higher risk of falling when compared to the other stages (p<0.01). Regarding CoP sway, both mean speed and mediolateral range were significantly higher in severe sarcopenia when compared to both nonsarcopenia and presarcopenia (p<0.05). Fear of falling was higher in all sarcopenia stages when compared to nonsarcopenic individuals (p<0.05). Conclusion: Sarcopenia negatively affects balance, and both risk and fear of falling in community-dwelling older women. Moreover, this study provides evidence that sarcopenia severity is further associated to reduced balance and imposes an even greater risk of falls in the elderly.