The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences
-
J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. · Mar 2017
Does Pain Predict Frailty in Older Men and Women? Findings From the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA).
Pain has been suggested to act as a stressor during aging, potentially accelerating declines in health and functioning. Our objective was to examine the longitudinal association between self-reported pain and the development, or worsening, of frailty among older men and women. ⋯ Pain is associated with an increased risk and intensity of frailty in older men and women. Socioeconomic factors contribute to the occurrence of frailty; though in our study do not explain the relationship between pain and frailty.
-
J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. · Mar 2017
The Extracellular to Intracellular Water Ratio in Upper Legs is Negatively Associated With Skeletal Muscle Strength and Gait Speed in Older People.
Skeletal muscles contain a large volume of water that is classified into intracellular (ICW) and extracellular (ECW) water fractions. Nuclear magnetic resonance-based biomarkers suggest that increased water T2 heterogeneities, as well as elevated water T2 relaxation in the quadriceps occurs in the elderly when compared with young adults. However, nuclear magnetic resonance is difficult to apply to a large-scale study or a clinical setting for sarcopenia and frailty screening. ⋯ Thigh ECW/ICW was negatively correlated with knee extension strength and gait speed (r = -.617 and -.431, respectively, p < .001) and increased with age (p < .001). Thigh ECW/ICW was a significant predictor of knee extension strength and gait speed independent of age, sex, body mass index, and skeletal muscle mass. Relative expansion of ECW against ICW in the thigh muscles is a factor in decreased muscle quality and a biomarker of muscle aging.