Rural and Remote Health

www.rrh.org.au
James Cook University ISSN 1445-6354

Original Research

Rural–urban differences of sarcopenia and spinal health in the older women: a comparative observational study

AUTHORS

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Dong Hyun Kim1 MD, MS ORCID logo

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Jinhee Park2 BSc

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Jae-Young Lim3 MD, PhD ORCID logo

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Sun Gun Chung4 MD, PhD

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Sang Yoon Lee5 MD, PhD * ORCID logo

AFFILIATIONS

1 Department of Radiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, SMG-SNU Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea

2, 5 Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, SMG-SNU Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea

3 Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea; and Institute on Aging, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea

4 Institute on Aging, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea; and Rheumatism Research Institute, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea

ACCEPTED: 12 June 2023


Now published, see the full article go to

Early Abstract:

Background: Here, we aimed to investigate the correlation between spinal sarcopenia, spinal sagittal balance (SSB), and spinal function in older women living in rural areas versus those of urban older women in our previous study.
Methods: Twenty-five older rural-dwelling women aged 70+ years were compared with 24 urban-dwelling older women from our previous study. Demographic variables, conventional and spinal sarcopenic indices, variable functional outcome parameters, occupational state, and exercise participation rate were evaluated. We also measured the isometric back extensor strength, radiological parameters for SSB on whole-spine radiography, and volumetric parameters of the lumbar extensor muscle on computed tomography.
Results: There were no significant intergroup differences in demographic variables or the prevalence of sarcopenia. Older women in rural areas had greater handgrip strength than those in urban areas (22.7 ± 3.7 kg vs. 20.0 ± 3.4 kg, P = 0.010). However, their mean lumbar lordosis angle was lower (31.7 ± 15.3° vs. 42.3 ± 11.2°, P = 0.012). Isometric back extensor strength was lower in rural women than in urban women. The vocational activity participation rate of rural women was significantly higher (84% vs. 12.5%, P < 0.001), whereas their exercise participation rate was significantly lower (60% vs. 92%, P < 0.001).
Conclusions: Older women in rural areas had greater handgrip strength and vocational participation rates but lower back extensor strength and exercise participation rates. Therefore, more attention for health care services is needed to support their spinal health and exercise habits.