[Associations Between Muscle Mass Levels and Functional Aspects in Non-Institutionalized Older Adults from Santiago, Chile].

Aim: To determine the relationship between the apendicular skeletal muscle mass and functional levels in non-institutionalized older adults in Santiago de Chile.

Methodology: This is a quantitative, non-experimental, descriptive correlational, cross-sectional study of 59 older adults (13 men and 46 women) who live in the community, particularly in Santiago, Chile. The muscle mass was estimated through anthropometric values and a predictive, validated equation for calculating Skeletal Appendicular Muscle Mass (MMAE). Functionality was evaluated through the Functional Assessment of the Elderly (EFAM) instrument, used by the Ministry of Health of Chile since 1999.

Results: The comparison of means of the MMAE values was higher in men (13.73 vs. 20.74; α: 0.05). This difference was also observed in its minimum, maximum, and variability. In the sample, A higher percentage of subjects were at risk of dependency or self-reliant without risk. Both sexes behave similarly; however, proportionally, women are more self-reliant without risk. A chi-square test showed no dependency relationship between functionality and sex (α: 0.05). A similar result was obtained regarding the MMAE and Functionality relationship (α: 0.05).

Conclusions: In the present sample, there was no significant direct linear correlation between the amount of MMAE and Functionality.