The prevalence of sarcopenia and its associations with weekly energy expenditure and physical activity levels in female patients with breast cancer at the time of diagnosis

Abstract

Background

Early breast cancer diagnoses have enabled better therapeutic responses and better patient prognoses. However, sarcopenia, may develop as a result of this oncological disease, through the release of inflammatory cytokines.

Objectives

Determine the prevalence of sarcopenia and associations with weekly energy expenditure and physical activity (PA) levels in female patients with breast cancer at the time of diagnosis in a reference oncology hospital.

Methods

Cross-sectional study of patients with breast cancer stages IA to IIIC between June 2021 and June 2022. Sarcopenia was classified as “probable” when patients had low muscle strength, “confirmed” when both low strength and low muscle mass were detected, and “severe” when these two factors were associated with low physical performance. Muscle strength was assessed using dynamometry, muscle mass through calf circumference and physical performance using the Timed Up and Go test. PA level was determined by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Binary logistic regressions were performed between sarcopenia and PA levels, while linear regressions were performed for weekly energy expenditure.

Results

Ninety-two women were evaluated. Sarcopenia prevalence was determined as probable in 5.4 % and confirmed in 14.1 % of participants. It was observed that women classified as having probable or confirmed sarcopenia were older than those who were not sarcopenic. No significant differences concerning weekly energy expenditure and PA levels between groups were observed.

Conclusion

Less than a quarter of the assessed patients were diagnosed with probable or confirmed sarcopenia, and none were diagnosed with severe sarcopenia. No associations were observed between sarcopenia, weekly energy expenditure or PA levels.