Large calf circumference indicates non-sarcopenia despite body mass

• Published in: Journal of Physical Therapy Science Vol. 29; no. 11; pp. 1925 - 1928
• Main Authors: Tsuchiya, Junko, Hiyama, Yoshinori, Kusumoto, Yasuaki, Kusaka, Satomi, Takahashi, Tetsuya, Umeda, Masaru
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan The Society of Physical Therapy Science 2017
• Subjects: Calf circumferences; Negative predictive value; Original; Sarcopenia; Sarcopenia; Calf circumferences; Negative predictive value
• ISSN: 0915-5287; 2187-5626
• DOI: 10.1589/jpts.29.1925

[Purpose] The purpose of this study is to evaluate the applicability of the calf circumference as a tool for screening sarcopenia. [Subjects and Methods] One hundred sixteen community-dwelling elderly females were enrolled. Calf circumference of the dominant leg was measured using a plastic measuring tape. Subjects were divided into 3 groups based on body mass index (BMI); subjects with the values for BMI <18.5 kg/m2; those with BMI 18.5 to 25.0; those with BMI ≥25.0 kg/m2. Positive predictive value and negative predictive value of sarcopenia were calculated based on the obtained cut off values of calf circumference and the diagnosis of sarcopenia in each group. [Results] Prevalence rate of sarcopenia was 9.4% (n=10). Cut off value of the calf circumference was 32.8 cm (sensitivity: 73.0%, specificity: 80.0%, AUC: 0.792). Each BMI group showed high negative predictive value of sarcopenia based on the calf circumference cut off value of 32.8 cm. [Conclusion] These results suggested that to identify non-sarcopenia by larger calf circumference is more reasonable and useful than to identify sarcopenia due to the smaller calf circumference regardless of BMI.