Physical Function and Strength in Relation to Inflammation in Older Adults with Obesity and Increased Cardiometabolic Risk

Background Inflammation is implicated in functional decline and the development of disability in aging. This study aimed to investigate the association of inflammation with physical function and muscle strength in older adults with obesity and increased cardiometabolic risk. Design In baseline assessments from the CROSSROADS randomized controlled trial, serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) and C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were assayed in 163 older adults (37% males, 24% African American, BMI 34±3, age 70±5yrs) with hypertension, dyslipidemia and/or diabetes. Physical function was assessed by sixminute walk test (6MWT), chair sit-and-reach (CSR), hand-grip and knee-extension strength; specific-strength as muscle strength/mass ratio. Analyses included ANCOVA and multiple linear regression adjusted for thigh skeletal muscle (MRI), arm lean mass (DXA) and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA; accelerometry). Results Higher hs-CRP (p