Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study is to assess the association between the Weight-Adjusted Waist Index (WWI) and Motoric Cognitive Risk (MCR) syndrome in the elderly Chinese population. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was employed, drawing upon data from the 2015 wave of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). The analytical sample consisted of 7,108 Chinese participants aged 60 and over, excluding individuals with a dementia diagnosis or significant mobility limitations. Multivariable logistic regression was utilized to assess the link between WWI and MCR. Additionally, restricted cubic splines (RCS) were applied to test for non-linearity, and piecewise regression was employed to identify specific cut-off values. RESULTS: The findings indicated a significant positive association between elevated WWI indices and the likelihood of developing MCR. Quantitatively, for every 1-unit increment in WWI (1 cm/√kg), the odds of MCR increased by 17% (adjusted OR = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.08-1.27; P < 0.001). Analysis using restricted cubic splines suggested a linear relationship (P for non-linearity = 0.2), indicating progressively higher risks of MCR above the threshold of 10.774 cm/√kg. Subgroup analyses demonstrated consistent associations across most categories, with a significant interaction noted in marital status (P for interaction = 0.034). CONCLUSION: The association between WWI and MCR in older Chinese adults is both independent of other factors and largely linear in nature. Due to its simplicity and clinical accessibility, WWI is an effective tool for early risk stratification, which aids in timely interventions that promote healthy aging and reduce the burden of neurodegenerative diseases.