Physical activity and nutritional status in women with rheumatoid arthritis and sarcopenic phenotype of body composition

Aim. To assess physical activity (PA) and nutritional status and their relationship with the sarcopenic phenotype of body composition in women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Material and methods. 104 women (mean age 59.5±8.7 years) with RA underwent clinical and laboratory examination, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The level of PA and nutritional status were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaires, respectively.

Results. Sarcopenic phenotype was diagnosed in 37.1% of patients. Moderate and low PA levels were detected in 44.2 and 7.8%, respectively, risk of malnutrition – in 50% of persons. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, factors associated with the sarcopenic phenotype were determined: the frequency of vigorous PA<3 times a week [odds ratio – OR 5.12 (95% confidence interval – CI 1.15–22.94); p=0.032], walking <1 hour a day [OR 4.98 (95% CI 1.14–21.74); p=0.033], risk of malnutrition by MNA [OR 4.13 (95% CI 1.12–15.32); p=0.034], body mass index <25 kg/m² [OR 8.11 (95% CI 1.86–35.32); p=0.006] and daily calcium intake <500 mg [OR 4.62 (95% CI 1.06–20.08); p=0.041].

Conclusion. 52% of women with RA had moderate оr low PA levels, and 50% of patients were at risk of malnutrition. The risk of sarcopenic phenotype associated with a low frequency of vigorous PA, low walking time, risk of malnutrition, body mass index <25 kg/m² and insufficient calcium intake.