Is sarcopenia associated with depression? A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.
Level 3 - non-randomized controlled study
Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
PubMed 28633395 · doi:10.1093/ageing/afx094
What was done
A systematic review and meta-analysis searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar for observational studies examining the association between sarcopenia and depression in community and outpatient clinic settings. Fifteen articles were included: 5 were evaluated narratively, 10 contributed crude odds ratios (ORs), and 6 provided adjusted ORs.
What was found
Sarcopenia was significantly associated with depression without adjusting for covariates (crude OR 1.640, 95% CI 1.247–2.155; 10 studies). After adjusting for potential confounders including age, sex, cognitive performance, and physical activity, the positive association remained significant (adjusted OR 1.821, 95% CI 1.160–2.859; 6 studies). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that studies using bioelectrical impedance analysis showed stronger associations than those using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry or equation estimation.
Why it matters
This review demonstrates an independent statistical link between sarcopenia and depression, suggesting that clinical assessment for either condition should prompt consideration of the other.
Limits
The underlying studies were observational, preventing any determination of causality or direction of effect. Only 6 studies provided adjusted analyses, total participant count was not reported in the abstract, and measurement tools for body composition varied across studies.
Cited by
- supports A review found approximately a 60% increased risk of depression in individuals with the least muscle mass.