Impact of the percentage of muscle and fat tissue and muscle strength on the quality of life of people over 60 years of age

Abstract

Introduction: Physical activity is crucial in a person’s life. It has an impact on health, motor and mental fitness. Implementation of physical activity affects the percentage of human body tissues. The aim of the study is to conduct an analysis influence of the percentage of muscle and fatty tissue and muscle strength on the quality of life of people over 60 years of age.

Material and methods: The study was conducted among 86 patients (the average age was: 72) from Geriatrics Clinic, qualified for Geriatric Comprehensive Assessment in scheduled mode. Measurements of anthropometric parameters were performed: 1) for body composition was used TANITA weight; 2) for muscle strength measurement of the upper limbs was used a hand dynamometer; 3) quality of life measurement by the FACIT scale.

Results: In case of the higher percentage of adipose tissue, the lower muscular strength of the patients. In
case of the higher percentage of muscle mass, the higher muscular strength of the patients. Correlation of muscle strength (kg) with the quality of life (4 domains measured by FACIT scale) was significant and amounted respectively: physical domain R = 0.34 (p < 0.001), social domain R = 0.25 (p = 0.031), emotional domain R = 0.27 (p = 0.021), functional domain R = 0.35 (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: The results clearly present that the higher muscle strength of older people has an influence on a higher level of quality of life. It is necessary to aware carers of the elderly people that physical activity maintain as much muscle mass and strength as possible which contributes to ensuring the best quality of life for the elderly.