Baseline Nutritional Status and In-Hospital Step Count Are Associated with Muscle Quantity, Quality, and Function: Results of an Exploratory Study

This exploratory study aimed to assess associations of baseline nutritional status and in-hospital step count with muscle quantity, quality, and function. Seventy-nine participants aged ≥70 years (mean age 79.1 years, 44.3% female) were recruited (elective colorectal surgery, emergency abdominal surgery, and general medical patients with infections). Baseline nutrition (Mini Nutritional Assessment) and in-hospital step count (Fitbit Inspire devices) were assessed. Ultrasound quadriceps, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and physical function were assessed at baseline and 7 (±2) days and 13 (±1) weeks post-admission/post-operatively. Baseline nutritional status was associated with baseline rectus femoris ultrasound echogenicity (normal: 58.5, at risk: 68.5, malnourished: 81.2;  = 0.025), bilateral anterior thigh thickness (normal: 5.07 cm, at risk: 4.03 cm, malnourished: 3.05 cm;  = 0.021), and skeletal muscle mass (Sergi equation) (normal: 21.6 kg, at risk: 18.2 kg, malnourished: 12.0 kg;  = 0.007). Step count was associated with baseline patient-reported physical function (<900 37.1, ≥900 44.5;  = 0.010). There was a significant interaction between nutrition, step count, and time for skeletal muscle mass (Janssen equation) ( = 0.022).