Comparisons between body adiposity indexes and cutoff values in the prediction of functional disability in older women

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare body adiposity indexes and to identify cutoff values in the prediction of disability in older women. Eighty-seven voluntees (67.27±6.45 years) underwent body composition assessment using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and had five anthropometric indexes measured (Waist Circumference, WC; Waist-to-Height Ratio, WHtR; Body Mass Index, BMI; Body Adiposity Index, BAI; and conicity index). Functionality was assessed from three Senior Fitness Test Battery protocols: 30-second chair stand, 8-foot up-and-go, and 6-minute walk. Pearson’s correlation was conducted to identify the relationship between body adiposity indexes and functionality results. Cutoff values to predict disability were obtained from ROC curves and odds ratio were calculated for the same outcome. Disability prevalence was 36.8%. Scores in the 30-second chair stand, 8-foot up-and-go, and 6-minute walk tests showed stronger associations with WC (r=-0.345; p<0.01), WHtR (r=-0.417; p<0.01) and BAI (r=0.296; p<0.01), respectively. The cutoff values identified were 89.5cm, 39.2%, 26.93kg/m2, 34.6%, 0.51cm and 1.23 for WC, DXA-derived body fat percentage, BMI, BAI, WHtR and conicity index, respectively. WC showed greater odds ratio for disability outcome (odds ratio: 3.16; CI: 1.3–7.8). WC showed strong relationship with functional tests and its cutoff values exhibited predicting skill for disability in older women.