Association of Osteosarcopenia with Functional Outcomes in Older Adult Patients Undergoing Rehabilitation

Original Article

J Frailty Sarcopenia Falls 2026 Jun; 11(2):118-128 Copied!

10.22540/JFSF-11-118 Copied!

Ryo Mannen^1,2, Keisuke Maeda^3,4, Tatsuro Inoue^3,5, Akio Shimizu^6,7

Department of Nutritional Management, Faculty of Nutritional Science, Sagami Women’s University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
Graduate School of Integrated Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka, Japan
Department of Geriatric Medicine, Hospital, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Aichi, Japan
Nutrition Therapy Support Center, Aichi Medical University Hospital, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan
Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata City, Niigata, Japan
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie, Japan
Palliative and Supportive Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan

Keywords:

Abstract

Objectives:

Osteosarcopenia is characterized by the coexistence of sarcopenia and osteoporosis. This comorbid condition is thought to negatively affect functional outcomes. In this study, we investigated the negative impact of osteosarcopenia on the functional outcomes of older patients undergoing rehabilitation.

Methods:

This singlecenter retrospective cohort study was conducted at Hamamatsu City Rehabilitation Hospital in Japan and included 184 participants ≥65 years. Functional outcomes were assessed using the functional independence measure (FIM), the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) achieved on the FIM, and home discharge. Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the independent association of osteosarcopenia with FIM score at discharge and the FIM MCID. Additionally, the association between osteosarcopenia and home discharge was examined.

Results:

Osteosarcopenia was present in 30.4% of participants. Osteosarcopenia did not reach a statistically significant association with FIM at discharge (95% confidence interval [CI]: –2.518–8.489; β, 0.058), FIM MCID (odds ratio [OR]: 1.919; 95% CI: 0.698–5.277), or discharge to home (OR: 0.525; 95% CI: 0.126–2.189).

Conclusions:

Osteosarcopenia was prevalent among older patients undergoing rehabilitation, but its association with functional outcomes at discharge did not reach statistical significance. Intensive rehabilitation may have masked its adverse effects, warranting further longitudinal studies.