Association between Sarcopenia, Protein Intake, and Physical Activity in Older Adults at Hospital María Auxiliadora, Perú
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12873/454narreaKeywords:
Aged, Physical Activity, Protein, SarcopeniaAbstract
Background: Sarcopenia is a prevalent issue among older adults, especially in hospital settings, and its prevention requires addressing factors such as protein intake and physical activity.
Objective: To determine the association between sarcopenia, protein intake, and physical activity in older adults at Hospital María Auxiliadora in Lima, Peru.
Methods: An observational, analytical, cross-sectional study conducted in 56 older adults from a hospital, where sarcopenia risk was assessed using the SARC-F questionnaire, protein intake was measured by a food frequency questionnaire adapted by Cortez for older adult patients, and physical activity level was evaluated with the IPAQ and IPAQ-E questionnaires.
Results: The mean age was 71.0 ± 6.37 years; 71.43% were women. Sarcopenia risk was present in 30.35% of participants. The average protein intake was 1.00 ± 0.30 g/kg, with no significant differences between groups with and without risk (0.98 ± 0.32 vs. 1.01 ± 0.29; p = 0.83). Most participants had a low physical activity level, with no significant differences by risk status (p = 0.27). In logistic regression, neither protein intake (OR = 0.922; p = 0.93) nor moderate physical activity level (OR = 0.611; p = 0.30) showed a statistically significant association with sarcopenia risk.
Conclusions: No significant association was found between sarcopenia, protein intake, and physical activity level in this sample. However, the importance of promoting adequate protein intake and regular physical activity for the prevention and management of sarcopenia in older patients is emphasized.
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