Association of physical activity levels and sarcopenia and frailty in older adults in rural communities: a cross-sectional study
10.3760/cma.j.issn.0254-9026.2025.04.017
- VernacularTitle:农村社区老年人身体活动水平与肌少症和衰弱的关系：一项横断面研究
- Author:
Yi PAN
1
;
Jing CHEN
;
Nan HUA
;
Chengfan QIN
;
Yichen YANG
;
Yiwen CHEN
;
Lanhui YANG
;
Qin ZHANG
Author Information
1. 浙江大学医学院附属第一医院老年医学科，杭州 310000
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Rural elderly;
Physical activity;
Sarcopenia;
Frailty;
Multi-component exercise
- From:
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics
2025;44(4):510-517
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To assess the physical activity levels(PA)and patterns among older adults in rural areas, as well as to evaluate the association between PA levels and the conditions of sarcopenia and frailty.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 690 rural individuals aged 60 and above.Data on socio-demographic characteristics were collected, while Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Mass Index(ASMI)and grip strength were measured.The Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly(PASE)was employed to evaluate PA levels.Based on their PASE scores, participants were categorized into three groups: low PA level, medium PA level, and high PA level.Sarcopenia was defined according to the 2019 criteria established by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia(AWGS), and frailty status was assessed using the Frail Scale.Results:Among the study sample, 38.0% exhibited a low level of physical activity, 46.2% had a medium level, and 15.8% engaged in high levels of activity.As age increased, the level of physical activity among older adults significantly declined.Most of the physical activity reported by participants was attributed to household chores and farming-related activities.Participation in structured exercise among older adults was notably low, with only 1.3% engaging in muscle-strengthening exercises on a weekly basis.The majority(53.9%)reported walking as their preferred form of weekly exercise.After adjusting for confounding factors, the prevalence of sarcopenia was found to be 0.40(95% CI: 0.26-0.62)times lower in the medium physical activity group, and 0.56(95% CI: 0.31-1.01)times lower in the high physical activity group, compared to those with a low physical activity level.Similarly, regarding frailty as a negative outcome, the prevalence was 0.66(95% CI: 0.51-0.84)times lower in the medium physical activity group and 0.46(95% CI: 0.30-0.73)times lower in the high physical activity group, relative to the low physical activity group.When using PASE scores as a continuous variable, the results remained consistent. Conclusions:The physical activity levels of rural older adults are inadequate, and participation in multicomponent exercise programs is notably low.A lower level of physical activity is significantly associated with a higher prevalence of sarcopenia and frailty.Our findings indicate that it is essential to implement physical activity education and interventions to enhance exercise health literacy and to prevent sarcopenia and frailty among rural older adults.
