Abstract
Objectives: To describe the normative values of sarcopenia among community-dwelling adults (≥21), compare the prevalence of sarcopenia using AWGS2014, AWGS2019 and EWGSOP2 guidelines, and identify factors associated with sarcopenia.Design: Participants were recruited through random sampling. Sarcopenia assessments were performed using a DXA scan (muscle mass), handgrip test (muscle strength) and usual walking test (physical performance). Questionnaires were administered to evaluate lifestyle and cognition.Setting and Participants: 542 community-dwelling Singaporeans were recruited (21-90 years old, 57.9% women). Methods: We assessed anthropometry, body composition, and questionnaire-based physical and cognitive factors, and estimated sarcopenia prevalence according to the AWGS2014, AWGS2019 and EWGSOP2 recommendations, and examined associations using logistic regression.Results: According to AWGS2019, the Singapore population-adjusted sarcopenia prevalence was 13.6% (men 13.0%; women 14.2%) overall, and 32.2% (men 33.7%, women 30.9%) in those aged 60 and above. The cut-offs derived from young adult reference group for low ALMI is 5.28 kg/m2 for men and 3.69 kg/m2 for women (lower than AWGS recommended cut-off); for GS it is 0.82 m/s, (AWGS2019 recommended cut-off 1.0m/s, AWGS2014 cut-off was 0.8 m/s); for HGS, it is 27.9 kg /m2 for men, and 16.7 kg/m2 for women (close to AWGS2019 recommendation). Age, gender, marital status, alcoholism, physical activity, BMI, waist circumference and global cognition were associated with sarcopenia (p<.05).Conclusions and Implications: This is the first study to provide reference values of muscle mass, strength and gait speed across the adult lifespan of Singaporeans. Using AWGS2019 criteria, sarcopenia is prominent in older age (32.2% in ≥60 years old); but it is already non-trivial (6.9%) among young and middle-aged persons. Multi-domain lifestyle modifications addressing muscle strength, cognition and nutrition over the adult lifespan is important to delay the development of sarcopenia.