Higher body mass index and lower waist circumference are associated to higher physical performance (SPPB) solely in dynapenic elderly women

22 ABSTRACT Physical performance limitation is defined as difficulties in performing physical tasks. It is critical for the functional independence of the elderly. Limited physical performance is strongly associated with increased falls, hospitalizations, cardio and cerebrovascular diseases, and mortality in the elderly. The impact of body mass status and low muscle strength (dynapenia) on elderly physical performance is well documented. However, the interaction of these factors (muscle strength and body mass status) on the physical performance of the elderly is not yet clear. Objective: To assess the predictive power of body mass index (BMI) associated with waist circumference (WC) in determining the physical performance of older women classified as dynapenic (low muscle strength) or non-dynapenic. Method: One hundred forty-two older women were evaluated according to: anthropometry (BMI and WC), handgrip (HG) and physical performance (SPPB). The elderly were classified in dynapenic (HG < 20 kg) or non-dynapenic (HG ≥ 20 kg). Results: In both groups, multiple linear regression analysis indicated that BMI and WC were not associated with SPPB when they were analyzed separately. However, when BMI and WC were analyzed concomitantly, both were significantly associated with SPPB only for the dynapenic group. Conclusion: The main findings of this study suggest that WC and BMI applied together, but not separate, are predictors of physical performance in older women with dynapenia. These results are important for clinical practice because of easy application and low cost of measures.