Índice de massa muscular esquelética apendicular e densidade mineral óssea em mulheres pós menopausadas

Abstract

The appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) is the main parameter to identify reduced muscle mass, being considered an important risk indicator for osteoporosis. Early identification of low ASMI is essential to prevent negative outcomes such as sarcopenia, falls, and functional disability. The study of ASMI and its relationship with bone mineral density (BMD) is, therefore, relevant. It aims at providing early diagnoses and interventions, thus improving the health and quality of life of postmenopausal women. This study verified the association between ASMI with the clinical profile, nutritional status, and lifestyle of postmenopausal women. In addition, we further investigated the relationship between ASMI and the bone mineral density (BMD) categories of postmenopausal women. For this, a cross-sectional observational study was carried out with a probabilistic sample. Sociodemographic, clinical, lifestyle, physical activity level, biochemical, and anthropometric variables were collected. ASMI and BMD were measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Data were analyzed using the SPSS statistical program, version 22. Fisher's exact test, Pearson's Chi-square test, and multivariate logistic regression were applied for data analysis. The study included 114 postmenopausal women between 60 and 69.9 years of age, of predominantly brown race/color, on menopause for less than or equal to 19 years, with less than four years of schooling, who never smoked or consumed alcoholic beverages. Most women were classified as active enough, having one to three comorbidities, using calcium supplementation, and undergoing regular sun exposure. Body mass index, calf perimeter, and the thickness of the adductor pollicis muscle were positively associated with ASMI, thus working as protective factors for muscle mass. ASMI was not associated with the BMD categories of postmenopausal women. However, advanced age, longer menopause time, low weight, adequate waist circumference, and lower averages of ASMI were more present among postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that conventional anthropometric parameters positively influenced ASMI, while the BMD categories did not remain associated with the ASMI after adjustments for confounding variables.