@article{ART003377980},
author={Jingran Hu and Chang-Ryeol Lee and Joonsuk Y},
title={Nonlinear Association Between Weight-Adjusted Waist Index (WWI) and Sarcopenia in Adults With Functional Limitations},
journal={Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine},
issn={1975-311X},
year={2026},
volume={21},
number={3},
pages={69-81}
TY - JOUR
AU - Jingran Hu
AU - Chang-Ryeol Lee
AU - Joonsuk Y
TI - Nonlinear Association Between Weight-Adjusted Waist Index (WWI) and Sarcopenia in Adults With Functional Limitations
JO - Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
PY - 2026
VL - 21
IS - 3
PB - The Korean Society of Physical Medicine
SP - 69
EP - 81
SN - 1975-311X
AB - PURPOSE: To investigate the association between the weight-adjusted waist index (WWI) and sarcopenia among adults with functional limitations, and provide evidence for assessment and interventions.
METHODS: Data were obtained from the 2013–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), including 1,905 adults aged 18–59 years with functional limitations. Logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis were used to examine the association and dose–response relationship between WWI and sarcopenia. The threshold effect and subgroup analyses were also performed.
RESULTS: The WWI levels were significantly higher in the sarcopenia group than in the non-sarcopenia group (p < .001). Each one-unit increase in WWI was positively associated with the odds of sarcopenia (OR = 5.43, 95% CI: 4.26–6.93). RCS analysis revealed a significant nonlinear association (overall p < .001, nonlinear p = .011), with a threshold at 12.05. Below this threshold, each one-unit increase in WWI was significantly associated with the odds of sarcopenia (OR = 5.32, 95% CI: 3.76–7.52), whereas no significant association was observed at WWI ≥ 12.05. Subgroup analyses revealed a significant interaction with physical activity (p for interaction < .001), but no significant interactions with sleep duration or sedentary behavior.
CONCLUSION: WWI was positively and nonlinearly associated with sarcopenia among adults with functional limitations. The association differed according to the physical activity level. WWI may serve as a practical indicator for assessing muscle health and guiding rehabilitation management.
KW - Motor Activity;Persons with Disabilities;Sarcopenia
DO -
UR -
ER -
Jingran Hu, Chang-Ryeol Lee and Joonsuk Y. (2026). Nonlinear Association Between Weight-Adjusted Waist Index (WWI) and Sarcopenia in Adults With Functional Limitations. Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine, 21(3), 69-81.
Jingran Hu, Chang-Ryeol Lee and Joonsuk Y. 2026, "Nonlinear Association Between Weight-Adjusted Waist Index (WWI) and Sarcopenia in Adults With Functional Limitations", Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine, vol.21, no.3 pp.69-81.
Jingran Hu, Chang-Ryeol Lee, Joonsuk Y "Nonlinear Association Between Weight-Adjusted Waist Index (WWI) and Sarcopenia in Adults With Functional Limitations" Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine 21.3 pp.69-81 (2026) : 69.
Jingran Hu, Chang-Ryeol Lee, Joonsuk Y. Nonlinear Association Between Weight-Adjusted Waist Index (WWI) and Sarcopenia in Adults With Functional Limitations. 2026; 21(3), 69-81.
Jingran Hu, Chang-Ryeol Lee and Joonsuk Y. "Nonlinear Association Between Weight-Adjusted Waist Index (WWI) and Sarcopenia in Adults With Functional Limitations" Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine 21, no.3 (2026) : 69-81.
Jingran Hu; Chang-Ryeol Lee; Joonsuk Y. Nonlinear Association Between Weight-Adjusted Waist Index (WWI) and Sarcopenia in Adults With Functional Limitations. Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine, 21(3), 69-81.
Jingran Hu; Chang-Ryeol Lee; Joonsuk Y. Nonlinear Association Between Weight-Adjusted Waist Index (WWI) and Sarcopenia in Adults With Functional Limitations. Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine. 2026; 21(3) 69-81.
Jingran Hu, Chang-Ryeol Lee, Joonsuk Y. Nonlinear Association Between Weight-Adjusted Waist Index (WWI) and Sarcopenia in Adults With Functional Limitations. 2026; 21(3), 69-81.
Jingran Hu, Chang-Ryeol Lee and Joonsuk Y. "Nonlinear Association Between Weight-Adjusted Waist Index (WWI) and Sarcopenia in Adults With Functional Limitations" Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine 21, no.3 (2026) : 69-81.
