Possible Sarcopenia Is Related to Leisure-Time Physical Activity but Not to Occupational Activity

Q: What physical activity domains were analyzed?

The study assesses leisure-time MVPA and occupational MVPA using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire.

Q: What relationship did the study find between leisure-time MVPA and PS?

Leisure-time MVPA was inversely related to PS, with odds ratios of 0.64 for 1–149 min/week and 0.60 for ≥150 min/week compared with no leisure-time MVPA.

Q: Was occupational MVPA associated with PS?

No. Occupational MVPA was not significantly related to PS in the analysis.

Sep 29, 2026

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Study evaluates whether domain-specific physical activity is associated with possible sarcopenia (PS) in middle-aged and older adults. Data from 15,819 participants aged 40+ years were analyzed; PS was defined using handgrip strength criteria from the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. Leisure-time moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) showed inverse associations with PS across 1–149 and ≥150 min/week groups, while occupational MVPA was not significantly related. Subgroup analyses showed no interaction with sex, age, or sedentary time.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages9

Reading Time23 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Background and study rationale

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Key Words

PossibleSarcopeniais Related to Leisure-Time Physical Activity but Not to Occupational Activity Bokun Kim1,2, Yosuke Osuka3, Xiaoguang Zhao4, Yoshiro Okubo5, Gwon-min Kim2,6, Sechang Oh2,7 1Sport Science Innovation Institute, Dongguk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea 2Faculty of Rehabilitation, R Professional University of Rehabilitation, Tsuchiura, Ibaraki, Japan 3Department of Frailty Research, Center for Gerontology and Social Science, Research Institute, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Aichi, Japan 4Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China 5Falls, Balance and Injury Research Centre, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia 6Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Republic of Korea 7Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan Corresponding Author: Sechang Oh, PhD Faculty of Rehabilitation, R Professional University of Rehabilitation, 2-10-35 Kohoku, Tsuchiura, Ibaraki 300-0032, Japan [E-mail: o-sechan@u.a-ru.ac.jp](E-mail: o-sechan@u.a-ru.ac.jp)[ ](E-mail: o-sechan@u.a-ru.ac.jp)ORCID: [https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7457-9305](https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7457-9305) [Received: May 9](Received: May 9), [2025](2025) Revised: September 16, 2025 Accepted: September 29, 2025 INTRODUCTION Background: Physical activity (PA) has long been considered a key strategy in the management of sarcopenia. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine domain-specific physical activity, including leisure-time and occupational activities, in relation to possible sarcopenia (PS) among middle-aged and older adults. Methods: We analyzed a total of 15,819 adults aged ≥40 years. PS was defined on the basis of handgrip strength (males <28 kg and females <18 kg) according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to evaluate domain-specific PA, including weekly leisure-time or occupational moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA). MVPA was classified into three categories: no activity, 1–149 min/ week, and ≥150 min/week. Parameters potentially related to PS or PA were included as covariates: age, sex, household income, education, medication, alcohol and smoking habits, nutritional status, and body weight. Results: Compared with participants with no leisure-time MVPA, those with 1–149 min/week and ≥150 min/week of leisure-time MVPA had odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of 0.64 (0.54, 0.74) and 0.60 (0.52, 0.68) for PS, respectively (p<0.001 for both). However, occupational MVPA was not significantly related to PS. Subgroup analyses stratified by sex, age, and sedentary time revealed no significant heterogeneity (all p-values for interactions >0.05). Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that PS is inversely related to leisure-time PA but not to occupational PA among middle-aged and older adults, suggesting that PA programs that focus specifically on leisure-time activities may be necessary to prevent and manage possible sarcopenia. Key Words: Leisure-time physical activity, Occupational physical activity, Physical activity paradox, Possible sarcopenia mated mean annual direct and indirect healthcare costs for individuals with sarcopenia (EUR 1,125.3) were more than twice those Sarcopenia, characterized by an age-related decline in muscle mass and strength, is recognized as a major public health concern because it can lead to metabolic abnormalities, functional decline, hospitalization and increased mortality.1-4) These unfavorable consequences may impose significant direct and indirect financial burdens on individuals and society. According to Steffl et al.,5) the esti- for individuals without sarcopenia (EUR 561.4). Given that sarcopenia increases the risk of morbidity, mortality, and direct and indirect financial burdens, it is essential to develop strategies to prevent and manage sarcopenia, especially among those at high risk of sarc

FAQs

How is possible sarcopenia (PS) defined in the study?

PS is defined using handgrip strength cutoffs (males <28 kg and females <18 kg) based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria.

What physical activity domains were analyzed?

The study assesses leisure-time MVPA and occupational MVPA using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire.

What relationship did the study find between leisure-time MVPA and PS?

Leisure-time MVPA was inversely related to PS, with odds ratios of 0.64 for 1–149 min/week and 0.60 for ≥150 min/week compared with no leisure-time MVPA.

Was occupational MVPA associated with PS?

No. Occupational MVPA was not significantly related to PS in the analysis.

Sep 29, 2026

Uploaded by วิน