Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, Fruit and Vegetable Consumption, and Sarcopenia in Older Chinese Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), sedentary behavior, fruit and vegetable intake, and the risk of sarcopenia among older Chinese adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 5418 older Chinese adults who participated in the Study on Global Aging and Adult Health (SAGE). Participants reported information about their physical activity, sedentary behavior, and dietary habits (fruit and vegetable intake). Sarcopenia was defined as the presence of low skeletal muscle mass and either a slow gait speed or weak handgrip strength. A multiple logistic regression model was employed to determine the relationship between MVPA, sedentary behavior, fruit and vegetable intake, and the risk of sarcopenia. Results: Only 32.63% of participants met all three recommendations (for MVPA, sedentary behavior, and fruit and vegetable intake). Compared with meeting none of the recommendations, meeting all three recommendations was associated with a lower risk of sarcopenia (OR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.41–0.98). Moreover, meeting the recommendation for sufficient fruit and vegetable intake (OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.58–0.83), MVPA and fruit/vegetable intake (OR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.52–0.86), and sedentary behavior and fruit/vegetable intake (OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.48–0.98) was associated with a lower risk of sarcopenia. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that in this large representative sample of older Chinese adults, meeting lifestyle recommendations for MVPA, sedentary behavior, and fruit and vegetable intake protected against sarcopenia.