Objectives: To describe the normative values of sarcopenia among community-dwelling adults (21 years of age); compare the prevalence of sarcopenia using Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria, 2014 (AWGS2014), Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria, 2019 (AWGS2019), and European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People criteria, 2018 (EWGSOP2) guidelines; and identify factors associated with sarcopenia. Design: Participants were recruited through random sampling. Sarcopenia assessments were performed using a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scan (muscle mass), handgrip test (muscle strength), and usual walking test (physical performance). Questionnaires were administered to evaluate lifestyle and cognition. Setting and Participants: In total, 542 community-dwelling Singaporeans were recruited (21-90 years old, 57.9% women). Methods: We assessed anthropometry, body composition, and questionnaire-based physical and cognitive factors, and estimated sarcopenia prevalence according to the AWGS2014, AWGS2019, and EWGSOP2 recommendations, and examined associations using logistic regression. Results: According to AWGS2019, the Singapore population-adjusted sarcopenia prevalence was 13.6% (men 13.0%; women 14.2%) overall, and 32.2% (men 33.7%, women 30.9%) in those aged 60 years and above. The cutoffs derived from young adult reference group for low appendicular lean mass index were 5.28 kg/m2 for men and 3.69 kg/m2 for women (lower than AWGS recommended cut-off); for gait speed it was 0.82 m/s, (AWGS2019 recommended cut-off 1.0 m/s, AWGS2014 cut-off was 0.8 m/s); and for handgrip strength it was 27.9 kg/m2 for men and 16.7 kg/m2 for women (close to AWGS2019 recommendation). Age, sex, marital status, alcoholism, physical activity, body mass index, waist circumference, and global cognition were associated with sarcopenia (P < .05). Conclusions and Implications: This is the first study to provide reference values of muscle mass, strength, and gait speed across the adult lifespan of Singaporeans. Using AWGS2019 criteria, sarcopenia is prominent in older age (32.2% in 60 years old), but it is already nontrivial (6.9%) among young and middle-age persons. Multidomain lifestyle modifications addressing muscle strength, cognition, and nutrition over the adult lifespan are important to delay the development of sarcopenia.

Background: Age-related slowing of gait has been reported to start as early as the fifth decade and accelerate beyond the seventh decade of life. A single cutoff for slow gait may not be appropriate for men and women of different ages. We aimed to report reference values for gait speed and spatiotemporal gait parameters of adult age groups in a South East Asian population. Methods: A total of 507 community-dwelling adults, aged 21-90 years were recruited into the study through random sampling, filling quotas of 20-40 participants in each sex and age group (10-year age groups between 21 and 60 years; 5-year age groups beyond age 60 years). Demographic data, height, weight and information on comorbidities were recorded. Habitual gait speed and spatiotemporal parameters were measured, and the average of three trials was recorded using the GAITRite system. Results: Gait speed peaked in their 40s for both men and women, but the trajectories differed slightly across age groups. Although similar for men in their 50s and 60s, gait speed was significantly slower among those aged 71 years and older. For women beyond 50 years old, gait slowed with age. After adjusting for height, women were found to walk significantly faster and with a longer step length than men. Women also walked with a significantly narrower stride width and less external rotation of the feet. The lowest quintile for gait speed in our study cohort was 0.9m/s, below the recommended cutoff of 1.0m/s. Conclusion: We established the reference values as well as the quintiles for gait speed and spatiotemporal gait parameters across adult age groups in a multi-ethnic Asian population. This contributes to a valuable database for gait assessment and evaluation of preventive or rehabilitative programs.

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Inconsistent reporting of outcomes in clinical trials of treatments for Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD) hinders effective data pooling and conclusions that can be drawn about the effectiveness of tested treatments. The aim of this study was to provide recommendations for core outcome domains that should be included in clinical trials of WAD.Methods: A three-step process was used. 1) A list of potential core outcome domains were identified from the published literature; 2) Researchers, health care providers, patients and insurance personnel participated and rated the importance of each domain via a three round Delphi survey. A priori criteria for consensus were established; 3) Experts comprising researchers, health care providers and a consumer representative participated in a multidisciplinary consensus meeting that made final decisions on the recommended core outcome domains. Results:The literature search identified 63 potential core domains. 223 participants were invited to partake in the Delphi surveys with 41.7% completing Round 1, 45.3% Round 2 and 51.4% Round 3.Eleven core domains met the criteria for inclusion across the entire sample. After the expert consensus meeting, six core domains were recommended: Physical Functioning, Perceived Recovery, Work and Social Functioning, Psychological Functioning, Quality of Life and Pain.Discussion: A 3-step process was used to recommend core outcome domains for clinical trials in WAD. Six core domains were recommended: Physical Functioning, Perceived Recovery, Work and Social Functioning, Psychological Functioning, Quality of Life and Pain. The next step is to determine the outcome measurement instruments for each of these domains.