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Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of disability and mortality worldwide. The presence of sarcopenia in this population has an impact on physical function and quality of life. Identifying sarcopenia in people with COPD allows for the development of personalized rehabilitation strategies.
Objective: To analyze the correlation between the clinical criteria for sarcopenia (muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance) and quality of life in older adults with COPD.
Methods: This is an analytical cross-sectional study with a convenience sample consisting of thirty-seven adults aged 60 years or older with COPD diagnosed according to Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) criteria. Muscle mass was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis; handgrip strength was measured with a digital dynamometer; and physical performance was evaluated using 4-meter gait speed. Quality of life was assessed with the COPD Assessment Test (CAT). Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated according to data distribution, with significance set at p < 0.05. Multivariable linear regression models adjusted for age, comorbidity burden, and GOLD stage were used to identify independent associations with CAT scores.
Results: The study included 37 people with COPD. The total CAT score demonstrated significant negative correlations with handgrip strength (r = –0,591; CI 95%: [-0,8244 to -0,1883]; p = 0,007), skeletal muscle mass index (r = –0,515; CI 95%: [-0,7695 to -0,1193]; p = 0,014), free-fat mass (r = –0,514; CI 95%: [-0,7691 to -0,1183]; p = 0,014), and fat-free mass index (r = –0,430; CI 95%: [-0,7213 to -0,01109]; p = 0,045) (n = 37 for all the analysis). Among individual CAT components, “chest tightness,” “activities,” “confidence,” and “energy” showed the strongest associations with sarcopenia-related clinical criteria, with correlation coefficients ranging from–0.437 to –0.731. In the adjusted analyses, handgrip strength was the only variable independently associated with quality of life (β = –0.359; 95% CI: –0.678 to –0.039; p = 0.030).
Conclusion: Lower muscle mass and reduced muscle strength were correlated with greater symptom burden and poorer quality of life in older adults with COPD. The CAT items related to daily activities, confidence, and energy showed the strongest associations with sarcopenia criteria, underscoring the relevance of evaluating muscle health in this population. After adjusted analysis, handgrip strength emerged as the only independent predictor of quality of life.
