Relationship between heart rate variability, peripheral muscle strength, functional ability, and nutritional status in hospitalized older adults with sarcopenia

Abstract

Objectives: To screen hospitalized older adults for sarcopenia and ascertain whether correlations exist between heart rate variability (HRV), peripheral muscle strength, functional ability, independence, and nutritional aspects in this population. Methods: Observational study of hospitalized adults aged > 60 years who were clinically stable and able to complete the study assessments. HRV, functionality, peripheral muscle strength, independence, level of physical activity, nutritional aspects, and risk of death were assessed. The Shapiro-Wilk, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney tests and Spearman correlations were used for statistical analysis; significance was accepted at p < 0.05. Results: The sample comprised 40 older adults, of whom only nine (22.50%) did not meet criteria for sarcopenia. HRV in participants with sarcopenia correlated positively with level of physical activity (rs 0.92, p = 0.001) and nutritional condition (rs 0.79, p = 0.001), and negatively with mortality (rs -0.59, p = 0.04) (rs 0.79, p = 0.001). In older adults without sarcopenia, HRV correlated positively with independence (rs 0.83, p = 0.001) and muscle strength (rs 0.67, p = 0.04). Conclusion: Most hospitalized older adults meet criteria for sarcopenia. In this population, better autonomic control of the heart is associated with greater independence, muscle strength, physical activity level, and better nutritional status, while worse HRV is associated with a higher risk of mortality.

Keywords

• sarcopenia
• aged
• heart rate control
• strength
• functional ability
• nutrition