Relationship Between Lifestyle Factors and Physical Fitness Among Elderly Korean Women with Sarcopenia: A Cohort Study

Abstract Background Approximately 20% of the population aged 65 years has sarcopenia, a major disease caused by aging. Previous studies have analyzed the prevalence and status of sarcopenia, as well as the frequencies and interaction effects among associated variables. This study aimed to identify the complex interactions between daily life-related factors, diagnostic factors, and physical strength factors as they relate to sarcopenia. Methods The study included 512 female participants aged 60–100 years from Incheon, Republic of Korea, who were recruited from 12 institutions. Participants engaged with the study for > 3 months. Additionally, questionnaires based on demographic traits, body composition, and fitness indicators were administered. The statistical significance threshold was established as p < 0.05. Results Hierarchical regression analysis of the characteristic factors affecting sarcopenia showed that individual characteristics affected sarcopenia (Model 1: R2, 0.391; p < 0.001; Model 2: R2, 0.427; p < 0.001). Hierarchical regression analysis of diagnostic and fitness factors affecting sarcopenia also showed an effect on sarcopenia (Model 1: R2, 0.318; p < 0.001; Model 2:R2, 0.419; p < 0.001; Model 3: R2, 0.664; p < 0.001). Conclusions This study contributes to the general sarcopenia knowledge base. Additionally, by contributing to sarcopenia prevention and the prediction of associated chronic diseases, our findings may ultimately improve the quality of life in this demographic. It also contributes to the construction of a community health care system, thereby improving the quality of life of individuals aged 65 and above.