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Cut‐offs for calf circumference as a screening tool for low muscle mass: WASEDA'S Health Study
Author(s) -
Kawakami Ryoko,
Miyachi Motohiko,
Sawada Susumu S.,
Torii Suguru,
Midorikawa Taishi,
Tanisawa Kumpei,
Ito Tomoko,
Usui Chiyoko,
Ishii Kaori,
Suzuki Katsuhiko,
Sakamoto Shizuo,
Higuchi Mitsuru,
Muraoka Isao,
Oka Koichiro
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
geriatrics and gerontology international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.823
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1447-0594
pISSN - 1444-1586
DOI - 10.1111/ggi.14025
Subject(s) - bioelectrical impedance analysis , sarcopenia , medicine , circumference , waist , muscle mass , calf muscle , fat mass , obesity , body mass index , cardiology , endocrinology , geometry , mathematics
Aim To re‐evaluate the suitability of calf circumference as a surrogate marker of low muscle mass measured by both bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA). We also examined the effects of obesity and age on low muscle mass screening using calf circumference. Methods In total, 1239 adults participated in this cross‐sectional study. We measured the maximum calf circumference in a standing position and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) using BIA and DXA. We defined low muscle mass based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 consensus. Results Calf circumference was positively correlated with BIA‐measured ASM/height 2 (men: r = 0.81, women: r = 0.73) and DXA‐measured ASM/height 2 (men: r = 0.78, women: r = 0.76). In the subgroup analyses by obesity and age, calf circumference was also positively correlated with ASM/height 2 . The optimal calf circumference cut‐offs for low muscle mass screening measured by BIA and DXA were 35 cm (sensitivity 91%, specificity 84%) and 36 cm (sensitivity 82%, specificity 80%) for men, and 33 cm (sensitivity 82%, specificity 84%) and 34 cm (sensitivity 85%, specificity 72%) for women, respectively. Conclusions Calf circumference is positively correlated with BIA‐ and DXA‐measured muscle mass regardless of obesity and age and is a simple and accurate surrogate marker of muscle mass for diagnosing sarcopenia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 943–950 .