What is it about?
Reduction in muscle mass, muscle quality and strength (sarcopenia) can negatively influence quality of life and lead to health problems such as falls and fractures. Early identification of probable sarcopenia may help to identify these health problems earlier to enable early intervention. Equipment is not always available in primary care to evaluate muscle quantity. This research investigated the use of questionnaires, outcome measurements, formulae and an equation to investigate probable sarcopenia in primary care. The group investigated were community-dwelling individuals aged 65 and over.
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Why is it important?
Primary care does not always have access to sophisticated machines, such as magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography, to detect reductions in muscle quantity. Early identification of sarcopenia in primary care may enable timely interventions and reduce the impact of negative health consequences associated with sarcopenia. This research identified that using a questionnaire and measures of lower limb strength may identify individuals at risk of probable sarcopenia. Formulae are discussed in this research which may help identify the probability of sarcopenia. An equation is also discussed which may help quantify muscle mass. This research reported that walking speed may be useful for assessing the severity of sarcopenia.
Perspectives
I hope my physiotherapy colleagues will find this research helpful in their practice. Within the community-dwelling based population tested, this research identifies outcome measurements which may be helpful in identifying individuals aged 65 and over with probable sarcopenia. Early identification, may enable timely commencement of a resistance training programme with the aim of increasing muscle quantity or quality. Early identification of probable sarcopenia may also enable timely investigation of causes or onward referral to dietitian department or geriatrician department as appropriate.
Doreen Moore
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Sarcopenia screening of community-dwelling individuals aged 65 and over within the primary care setting, Physiotherapy Practice and Research The Official Journal of The Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists, June 2024, IOS Press,
DOI: 10.3233/ppr-230764.
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