Risk of sarcopenia with physical activity and performance, menopausal symptoms, and QOL in postmenopause

Abstract

Abstract Background After menopause, hormonal fluctuations may lead to various disturbances affecting muscle function along with a decline in activities of daily living and thus may have implications for health and quality of life (QOL). We aim to study the relationship of the risk of sarcopenia with menopausal symptoms, physical performance and activity levels, and QOL after menopause. Methods In total, 150 participants in their postmenopause were recruited in November 2023–May 2024. The above-mentioned parameters were assessed by SARC-CalF, menopausal rating scale (MRS), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ short form), Short Physical Performance Battery, and Menopausal QOL. Results The mean age of women with early menopause was 48.73 ± 2.68 years, while that of those in late postmenopause was 56.30 ± 2.13 years. In early postmenopause, SARC-CalF showed a moderate negative correlation with IPAQ (p < 0.05, r = − .381) and weak negative correlation with SPPB (p < 0.05, r = − .231). In late postmenopause, SARC-CalF exhibited a moderate positive correlation with MRS (p < 0.05, r = .346), moderate positive correlation with the psychosocial domain of MENQOL (p < 0.05, r = .305), weak positive correlation with the physical domain MENQOL (p < 0.05, r = .242), weak negative correlation with IPAQ (p < 0.05, r = − .2), and moderate negative correlation with SPPB (p < 0.05, r = − .399). Conclusion Risk of sarcopenia is inversely proportional to physical activity levels and physical performance in postmenopause.

Keywords

• Postmenopause
• Physical activity levels
• Health-related quality of life
• Sarcopenia