title: Associations of calf inter- and intra-muscular adipose tissue with cardiometabolic health and physical function in community-dwelling older adults.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine associations of inter- and intra-muscular adipose tissue (IMAT) with cardiometabolic health and physical function in older adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  48 community-dwelling older adults aged ⋝65 years (mean 71.6±4.8 years; 52% women) underwent whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, to assess appendicular lean mass (ALM), and peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT; 66% tibia), to assess calf IMAT cross-sectional area ([CSA]; cm2) and muscle density (mg/cm(3); higher values indicate lower fat infiltration). Fasting glucose, lipids, triglycerides and C-reactive protein (CRP) were analysed. Physical function was assessed by postural sway (computerised posturography; N=41), and gait analysis (GAITRite Electronic Walkway; N=40).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Higher IMAT CSA and muscle density were associated with significantly higher (B=0.85 95%CI [0.34, 1.36]) and lower (-2.14 [-4.20, -0.08]) CRP and higher (0.93 [0.56, 1.30]) and lower postural sway (-3.12 [-4.74, -1.50]), respectively, after adjustment for age, sex and ALM/BMI. Higher IMAT CSA was associated with slower gait speed and cadence, and greater step time and step width (all P<0.03), while higher muscle density was associated with smaller step width (P<0.01) only.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Older adults with higher calf IMAT have poorer balance, mobility and inflammatory status. Interventions aimed at improving physical function in older adults should incorporate strategies to reduce IMAT.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Trbojevic
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Skinner
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Clark
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Levinger
authors.forename: T P
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Haines
authors.forename: K M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Sanders
authors.forename: P R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Ebeling
mesh_terms: D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000473:pathology*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000473:pathology*; D001823:Body Composition / Q000502:physiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000473:pathology*; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D055948:Sarcopenia / Q000473:pathology*