METHODS
A total of 230 community dwelling adults (≥45 years old) who were
admitted to the physical and rehabilitation medicine outpatient clinic
of a tertiary care university hospital were recruited. Subjects who had
neuromuscular or rheumatic diseases, history of major orthopedic surgery
and mobility limitations were excluded from the study. All participants
were informed about the study procedure and subjects were enrolled if
they consented to participate. The local ethics committee approved the
study protocol.
Demographic data, smoking status, comorbidities (e.g. hypertension,
diabetes mellitus, chronic cardiovascular/pulmonary disease) and drug
usage were noted. Weight, height and waist/hip circumferences were
measured to the nearest 0.1 kg and 1 cm.