Feed-forward loop between body composition, strength and performance in older adults.

TitleFeed-forward loop between body composition, strength and performance in older adults.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2019
AuthorsRoyChoudhury A, Dam T-TL, Xu C, Diah JH, Chaganty D, Solares J, Fried LP
JournalMech Ageing Dev
Volume183
Pagination111130
Date Published2019 10
ISSN1872-6216
KeywordsAdult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Aging, Body Composition, Female, Follow-Up Studies, Geriatric Assessment, Hand Strength, Humans, Male, Middle Aged
Abstract

Frailty syndrome is hypothesized to arise from malfunction in feedback mechanisms among interacting physiological systems. However, empirical evidence to support this hypothesis is not yet available. We present evidence of a feed-forward loop relationship between certain components of the frailty syndrome: body composition, strength and physical performance level. The evidence has been found by performing statistical analysis on measures from 878 females and 588 males aged 60-97, participating in the Rancho Bernardo Study, followed for at least three visits over 12 years. In the analysis, we have used fat mass and lean mass (measured by whole body DXA scans), grip strength (measured by dynamometer) and time to get up and walk a certain distance. The results provide evidence of a feed-forward loop between these variables. The results also suggest that adverse changes in body composition would not only reduce the physical performance and grip strength, but the changes would further result in adverse changes in body composition. Our findings support the hypothesis that feed-forward loops are present between the components of the frailty syndrome at the time of development of frailty, which itself may be a manifestation of dysregulated energetics.

DOI10.1016/j.mad.2019.111130
Alternate JournalMech Ageing Dev
PubMed ID31473303
Division: 
Biostatistics
Category: 
Faculty Publication Student Publication