Aging is associated with decreases in muscle mass, muscle strength and muscle power, with muscle strength declining at a higher rate than muscle mass, but at a lower rate than muscle power. This progressive mismatch suggests a deterioration of muscle “quality” that may lead to functional incapacities. Although it may be difficult to synthesize the concept of muscle quality, the aim of the present paper was to propose a clinical definition of muscle quality in regard to the functional status. Accordingly, the muscle strength or muscle power per unit of muscle mass ratios appear to be clinically relevant markers of muscle quality. Several mechanisms susceptible to influence these ratios have been described, among which age, gender, sex hormones, obesity, physical activity and fibrosis. Various methods to assess muscle quality in both the clinical and research fields have also been listed, with a particular interest for the tests used to measure muscle power. Finally, we proposed a clinical screening tool to detect individuals at risk of functional incapacities. Briefly, the muscle quality score is based on handgrip strength assessment by hand dynamometer, muscle mass measurement by bioelectrical analysis, and leg muscle power estimation using a chair stand test.

Menopause is associated with hormonal changes, which could accelerate or lead to sarcopenia. Functional impairment and physical disability are the major consequences of sarcopenia. In order to hamper these negative health outcomes, it appears necessary to prevent and even treat sarcopenia, through healthy lifestyle changes including diet and regular physical activity or through hormonal replacement therapy when appropriate. Therefore, the purpose of this narrative review will be 1) to present the prevalence of sarcopenia in postmenopausal women; 2) to address the risk factors related to sarcopenia in this specific population; and 3) to discuss how to manage sarcopenia among postmenopausal women.

Muscle mass index has long been used as a useful index to evaluate the risks of developing functional impairments. However, there is evidence that other indexes (particularly muscle strength–based indexes) may be more relevant. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare the association between different indexes of muscle mass or strength with self-reported and measured functional performance to determine which index would be clinically relevant to detect individuals at risk of functional impairments. Data are from 1,462 women aged 75 years and older recruited in the Toulouse EPIDémiologie de l’OStéoporose cohort. Body composition (assessed by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry), handgrip, and knee extension strength were assessed. Physical function was measured using the chair stand test as well as the usual and fast gait speed tests. Participants were also asked if they experienced any difficulty at performing functional tasks. Results showed that knee extension strength relative to body weight was the strongest correlate of physical function measures (.30 < r < .40). Women in the lowest quartile of knee extension strength relative to body weight were 5.9-, 24.7-, 12.1-, and 20.9-fold, respectively, more likely to present impairments at self-reported activities, chair stand test, and usual and fast gait speed compared with women in the highest quartile, respectively. Knee extension strength relative to body weight appears to be well associated with self-reported difficulties and functional impairments. A threshold between 2.78 and 2.86 (knee extension strength [kPa]/body weight [kg]), determined using receiver operating characteristics curves analysis, may be a potential cut point to discriminate women presenting higher functional impairments.

Periods of prolonged lockdown increase the risk of physical inactivity, which can contribute to physical decline among older adults. Online technology could be an innovative solution to promote physical activity (PA) habits in this context. The goal of this study was to examine and compare the acceptability, feasibility, and potential benefits of 2 modalities of web-based PA interventions in older adults during the coronavirus disease 2019 lockdown. Eighty-three nonphysically active community-dwelling older adults (aged 60 and older) were randomized to a 12-week web-based PA intervention delivered either in a live group (LG; n = 38) or a recorded group (RG; n = 45). Acceptability, feasibility as well as functional capacities, physical performance, quality of life, and PA level were assessed pre and postintervention. There were fewer dropouts in the LG than RG (LG: 16% vs RG: 46%). However, adherence rate (LG: 89%; RG: 81%), level of satisfaction (LG: 77% vs RG: 64%), and enjoyment (LG: 68% vs RG: 62%) were similar across groups, even if the participants found the intervention slightly difficult (LG: 58% vs RG: 63%). Both groups significantly improved on functional capacities, physical performance, and quality of life. Only the LG showed significant improvements in perceived health and PA level. The LG showed greater improvements in physical performance and quality of life than the RG. Web-based PA interventions are feasible, acceptable, and beneficial for improving functional capacities and physical performance during periods of lockdown. However, the interactive web and live modalities appear to be more effective for promoting some of these outcomes than recorded and individual modalities.