The Optimal Cut-off Value of Upper Arm Circumference and Calf Circumference for Assessing Sarcopenia Among Chinese Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Objective: To explore the cut-off values and health evaluations of upper arm circumference (AC) and calf circumference (CC) on sarcopenia in Chinese community-dwelling older people.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, AC, CC, handgrip strength, muscle mass and gait speed were measured in 1537 Chinese community-dwelling older people in Sub-study 1. Correlation analysis, receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve) analysis, and consistency analysis were used for determination of AC and CC cut-off values for sarcopenia diagnosis (sarcopenia-AC and CC). Thereafter, 269 participants accepted additional assessments on physical function, body composition and muscle strength in Sub-study 2. T-test or Mann-Whitney U-test was used to explore the differential effects of sarcopenia-AC and CC on health indicators between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic participants.

Results: In Sub-study 1, the Area Under ROC (AUC) 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 33.7 cm (90.7%, 81.4%) whereas in females were 26.5 cm (70.8%, 69.7%) and 33.0 cm (86.5%, 69.4%), respectively. In Sub-study 2, the participants with sarcopenia-AC or sarcopenia-CC showed lower muscle strength and lower fat and muscle mass than the ones without (P<0.05). Additionally, males instead of females with sarcopenia-AC or sarcopenia-CC showed worse performance in time-up and go test and 6-Minute Walk Test (P<0.05). However, the 30-second chair stand test was not different between participants with and without sarcopenia-AC or sarcopenia-CC in both sexes.

Conclusion: We found accurate and Chinese population targeted cut-off values of AC and CC on sarcopenia diagnosis (25.9 cm and 33.7 cm in males; 26.5 cm and 33.0 cm in females) and a good evaluation effect of AC and CC on fat and muscle mass, muscle strength and physical functions in males, not females.