Air Pollution Exposure and Muscle Mass and Strength Decline in Older Adults: Results From a Swedish Population-Based Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Emerging evidence suggests that air quality may impact muscle health. However, most studies are limited by cross-sectional designs or short follow-ups. We assessed the association of long-term exposure to ambient air pollutants with changes in muscle mass and strength in older adults.

Methods

We included 3249 participants from the SNAC-K longitudinal study (mean age 74.3 years; 35.8% males). Muscle strength (measured through handgrip and chair stand tests), muscle mass (derived from calf circumference) and physical performance (assessed through walking speed at a usual pace) were assessed over a 12-year period. Probable sarcopenia was defined as reduced muscle strength as per the EWGSOP2 criteria. Residential exposure to PM2.5, PM10 and nitrogen oxide (NOx) was es

SUBMITTER: Trevisan C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12629866 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature