FRAX score and recent fall history predict the incidence for sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults: a prospective cohort study

Summary We hypothesized that the baseline FRAX score and previous falls would predict the incidence of sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults who received medical check-ups. The FRAX score (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.087, 95% CI 1.014–1.167) and previous falls (HR = 5.181, 95% CI 1.002–26.777) were determined to be independent risk factors for the incidence of sarcopenia. Purpose This prospective study was performed to elucidate the prevalence and incidence of sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults who received medical check-ups, and to determine whether FRAX score and fall history predict the incidence of sarcopenia. Methods Participants were recruited from a group of individuals who had registered for an annual town-sponsored medical check-up. Study inclusion criteria were aged older than 60 years, living independently, and ability to walk without assistance. Individuals who received nursing care were excluded from the study. A total of 426 residential participants were analyzed. Demographic information, fall history of the previous year, and FRAX score without bone mineral density were assessed. The assessment for sarcopenia was based on the recommendations of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. Results The final sample for the assessment of sarcopenia incidence comprised 258 participants. The mean follow-up time was 2.92 years. The rate of sarcopenia was 1.06 cases per 100 person-years at risk. The Cox multivariate logistic regression model in our analysis was adjusted for age, gender, muscle mass, and covariates and showed that the FRAX score (HR = 1.087, 95% CI 1.014–1.167) and recent history of falls (HR = 5.181, 95% CI 1.002–26.777) were independent risk factors for the incidence of sarcopenia. Conclusion FRAX and history of falling can be a simple screening tool to raise awareness of the prevention of osteoporosis and sarcopenia in clinical settings.