This study aimed to characterize physical function and functional capacity related to low muscle mass and sarcopenia in older women with low bone mass. In the study, 122 older women with bone loss were included and divided into three groups according to the presence or absence of muscle loss and sarcopenia; bone loss only, bone loss and muscle loss, and bone loss and sarcopenia groups. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted using the three groups as dependent variables. Body mass index (BMI) (odds ratio; 0.566, 95% confidence interval; 0.431-0.742), Kihon checklist of “motor function” (odds ratio; 2.230, 95% confidence interval; 1.179-4.217), and “homebound” (odds ratio; 5.123, 95% confidence interval; 1.122-23.391) were extracted as relevant factors in the bone loss and sarcopenia group. In addition to low BMI, sarcopenia in older women with reduced bone mass is associated with lower “motor function” and “homebound” functional capacity.

This study aimed to determine whether the distance between the medial epicondyles of the femur is useful as a screening test for varus knee. The participants were 53 community-dwelling older adults. First, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to obtain the cutoff value for the distance between the medial epicondyles of the femur. The cutoff values and femorotibial angle (FTA) were used to compare body composition and physical function between the groups. The cutoff value for the distance between the medial epicondyles of the femur was 2.75 cm. The intergroup comparison based on the FTA revealed significant differences in lower-limb muscle mass, grip strength, and quadriceps muscle strength. The results of the cutoff value-based comparison showed significant differences in skeletal and lower-limb muscle mass, grip strength, and quadriceps muscle strength, all of which were consistent with each other. Measuring the distance between the medial epicondyles of the femur is a useful screening test for varus knees in community-dwelling older adults.