Screening ability and health assessment of calf circumference and upper arm circumference on sarcopenia in Chinese community-dwelling older people: need to be accurate and population-targeted

Abstract Purpose This study aimed to explore the screening ability and health evaluations of upper arm circumference (AC) and calf circumference (CC) on sarcopenia in Chinese community-dwelling older people. Methods In Sub-study 1, 1537 participants were included. The AC, CC, handgrip strength, muscle mass and gait speed were measured. Correlation analysis, receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve) analysis and consistency analysis were used. In Sub-study 2, 269 participants were recruited to have physical function, body composition and muscle digital strength assessments. Results In Sub-study 1, the Area Under ROC (AUC)s of AC and CC for sarcopenia screening were greater than 0.700 (P<0.05). The cut-off values, sensitivity and specificity of AC and CC on sarcopenia in males were 25.9 cm (86.0%, 83.6%) and 33.7cm (90.7%, 81.4%) whereas in females were 26.5cm (70.8%, 69.7%) and 33.0cm (86.5%, 69.4%), respectively. In Sub-study 2, participants with sarcopenia-AC or sarcopenia-CC had lower fat and muscle mass and lower muscle strength in both sexes, and lower physical function in males, compared to participants without sarcopenia-AC or CC, respectively (P<0.05). Conclusion AC and CC have excellent screening abilities on sarcopenia and good evaluation effects on health outcomes in males in the community. Registration of clinical trial: ChiCTR1900027960