Association Between Sarcopenic Obesity and Activities of Daily Living in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

Sarcopenic obesity, a condition combining muscle loss and obesity, is common in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). This study examines how sarcopenic obesity affects activities of daily living (ADL) in people with SCI. The study found that decreased muscle mass and increased body fat were independently associated with decreased independence in ADL. This suggests that managing body composition could improve the quality of life for individuals with SCI. The findings highlight the importance of routine body composition assessments for early detection of sarcopenic obesity. Early detection and intervention may improve physical function and overall health in this population.

• 1
  Participants with sarcopenic obesity had significantly lower FIM motor scores than those without the condition (54 vs. 69 points, p = 0.006).
• 2
  Skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) was positively associated with FIM motor scores (β = 0.416, p < 0.001), indicating that higher muscle mass is linked to greater ADL independence.
• 3
  Percent body fat (%BF) was negatively associated with FIM motor scores (β = −0.325, p = 0.009), suggesting that higher body fat is linked to decreased ADL independence.