How Nutritional Status and Body Composition Affect Physical Performance of Older Adults?

Background: Malnutrition and poor physical performance are associated with higher morbidity, mortality, and lower quality of life. Muscle and fat mass have been shown to be related to nutritional status and physical fitness. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between nutritional status, body composition and physical performance in outpatient older adults. Materials and Methods: Demographic data and medical history were collected from patients aged ≥60 years followed in the Geriatric Outpatient Clinic using a structured questionnaire. Body Mass Index (kg/m²) was calculated. Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Physical performance was assessed by handgrip Strength (HGS), Gait Speed (GS), Timed Up & Go Test (TUG), Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT), nutritional status by Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and serum albumin level. Results: Mean age of 76 patients (64.47% men) was 71.93±8.88 yrs. In multiple regression analyses, age, good nutritional status and percent of lower extremity fat, but not appendicular Lean Mass (aLM), independently influenced gait speed; in turn longer TUG time was associated with poorer nutritional status, older age and a higher number of medical comorbidities. Higher handgrip strength was related to male sex, greater aLM, and younger age, and 6MWT was influenced negatively by age and percent of lower extremity fat. Conclusions: Age and nutritional status remain a strong determinant of physical fitness deterioration. Identifying the relationship between deficits in physical performance, nutritional status and body composition can help elucidate the causes of disability and target preventive measures.