Background and Objectives: Sarcopenia is characterized by a decline in skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function and is associated with advancing age. This condition has been suggested as a factor that negatively influences the functional outcomes of patients with hip fractures. However, the association between sarcopenia and balance impairment in patients undergoing inpatient rehabilitation after hip fractures remains unclear. In this retrospective cohort study, we aimed to investigate the impact of sarcopenia on balance outcomes in patients undergoing inpatient rehabilitation following hip fractures. Materials and Methods: Baseline sarcopenia was diagnosed using skeletal muscle mass index and handgrip strength, with cut-off values recommended by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. The primary outcome was balance, which was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) at the time of discharge. A multiple linear regression model analyzed the association between sarcopenia and balance. The model was adjusted for age, sex, comorbidities, and cognitive function. Results: Among the 62 patients (mean age: 78.2; sex: 75.8% women), 24.2% had sarcopenia. Patients with sarcopenia had significantly lower BBS scores than did those without sarcopenia (41 vs. 49 points, p = 0.004). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that baseline sarcopenia was independently associated with BBS scores at discharge (β = −0.282, p = 0.038). Conclusions: Following inpatient rehabilitation, patients with baseline sarcopenia had inferior balance outcomes than did those without sarcopenia at discharge. Sarcopenia should be assessed on admission to consider and provide additional care for those with a higher risk of poor functional outcomes. More studies are needed to investigate the association between sarcopenia and functional outcomes, examine the impact of sarcopenia treatment on these outcomes, and reduce the risk of recurrent falls and fractures in patients with hip fractures.

Background/Objectives: Sarcopenic obesity adversely affects physical function and activities of daily living (ADL) in older individuals and patients undergoing rehabilitation. This condition is also common in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI); however, its relationship with ADL in this group remains unclear. Hence, this study examined the association between sarcopenic obesity and ADL in individuals with SCI. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study identified sarcopenia using the low skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) and Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia reference values. Obesity was defined as a body fat percentage (%BF) exceeding 25% in men and 35% in women. Sarcopenic obesity was identified when both the sarcopenia and obesity criteria were met. The primary outcome, ADL, was measured using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the associations among the SMI, %BF, and FIM scores, after adjusting for age, sex, lesion level, injury severity, comorbidities, and injury duration. Results: Of 82 participants (median age: 63.5 years; 18.3% women), 62.2% had sarcopenic obesity. Participants with sarcopenic obesity (54 vs. 69 points, p = 0.006) had significantly lower FIM motor scores than those without this condition. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that SMI (β = 0.416, p < 0.001) and %BF (β = −0.325, p = 0.009) were independently associated with the FIM motor scores. Conclusions: Decreased SMI and increased %BF in patients with SCI were independently associated with decreased ADL independence. Routine body composition assessments are necessary for early detection and intervention in this population.

Background: This study investigated the association between obesity and short-term patient-reported outcomes after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods: The primary outcomes were the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index’s (WOMAC) pain and function scores. Data were collected preoperatively and 2 and 4 weeks after surgery. Patients were stratified into three groups based on body mass index (BMI): normal weight (BMI < 24.99 kg/m²), overweight (25 ≤ BMI < 29.99 kg/m²), and obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²). The associations between BMI and the WOMAC pain and function scores were assessed using generalized linear mixed models. Results: Among the 102 patients (median age: 75.0, women [85.3%]), 29.4%, 48.0%, and 22.5% were normal weight, overweight, and obese, respectively. The mean pain and function scores at baseline were similar across the BMI-stratified groups (p = 0.727 and 0.277, respectively). The pain score significantly improved 2 weeks post-surgery (p = 0.001). The function score improved significantly 4 weeks post-surgery (p < 0.001). The group and group-by-time interaction effects lacked statistical significance. Conclusions: All patients statistically and clinically showed relevant pain reduction and functional improvement shortly after TKA, irrespective of their obesity status. These data may help healthcare professionals discuss the expectations of pain amelioration and functional improvement with TKA candidates.