PD388 - ASSOCIATION OF PROTEIN INTAKE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY WITH MUSCLE STRENGTH AND MUSCLE MASS IN OLDER ADULTS UNDERGOING HAEMODIALYSIS

PD388

ASSOCIATION OF PROTEIN INTAKE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY WITH MUSCLE STRENGTH AND MUSCLE MASS IN OLDER ADULTS UNDERGOING HAEMODIALYSIS

J. SYAMALA KRISHNAN^1,*

¹Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics , Believers Medical College Hospital, Thiruvalla , Kerala, India

Rationale: Patients undergoing haemodialysis are particularly vulnerable to protein–energy wasting, with a prevalence ranging from 28% to 54%¹. Understanding the relationship between protein intake, physical activity, muscle strength, and muscle mass in haemodialysis patients aged 50–65 years is crucial, as this age group represents a critical transition phase where age-related sarcopenia overlaps with chronic kidney disease–related muscle loss². This study aims to address this gap.

Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 132 Chronic Kidney Disease  stage 5 patients on haemodialysis for ≥6 months. Anthropometric assessments included body mass index, mid-upper arm circumference, triceps skinfold thickness, and mid-arm muscle circumference . Muscle strength was assessed using handgrip strength. Dietary intake was evaluated using a 24-hour recall and food frequency questionnaire, analyzed with DietCal software. Physical activity was assessed using the Godin Leisure-Time Physical Activity Scale.  Statistical analyses included correlation and logistic regression models.

Results: Mean age was 61.2 ± 4.8 years. Protein intake showed a strong positive correlation with muscle strength (r = 0.93, p < 0.0001). Patients consuming <0.83 g/kg dry body weight protein had 72.5 times higher odds of low handgrip strength. Protein intake showed only a weak association with muscle mass (r = 0.17, p = 0.05). Physical activity was the strongest independent predictor of muscle mass; patients without exercise had over three times higher odds of reduced MUAC.

Conclusion: Adequate protein intake is critical for preserving muscle strength, while regular physical activity independently predicts better muscle mass in haemodialysis patients. Integrated nutritional and exercise interventions are essential to prevent sarcopenia and improve functional outcomes in this population.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared