Skeletal Muscle Index Using Bioelectrical Impedance for Diagnosis of Sarcopenia in Two Colombian Studies

Sarcopenia is defined as a loss of muscle mass depending on ageing and affecting physical function. The objective of this study was to assess the performance of the new cut-off points for SMI in another similar population and to evaluate if both cut-off points classify the muscle mass of the individuals in the same category. Methods: forty-five men aged 22.6 ± 3.2 years were included. Percentage body fat (%BF) was estimated by four skin folds, skeletal mass index (SMI) by BIA, and muscle function by the handgrip strength test (HGS). Results: Cut-off points generated with the new population were similar to those found in the previous study. With both cut-off points, none of our young patients showed low muscle mass estimated by SMI. Discussion and Conclusion: Individuals were classified in the same category with both cut-off points. However, it is recommended, in a future study, to establish whether these data coincide with those obtained directly from a population of elderly people in the same city using BIA in contrast to another technique of reference such as DXA.