Chinese expert consensus on prevention and intervention for elderly with sarcopenia (2023)

Abstract

Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and muscle strength or physical function. It is most common in elderly individuals. As a common geriatric syndrome, sarcopenia has a huge impact on the family medical burden and the social public health expenditure due to its high incidence, insidious onset, and extensive impact on the body. Research on sarcopenia in China began relatively recently, so the relevant recommendations for prevention, control, and intervention are not clear and unified. To improve its prevention, control, and intervention in the elderly in general hospitals, grassroots medical institutions, nursing homes, and other institutions, this project gathered a number of domestic experts in geriatric-related disciplines to formulate the present

Non-Pharmacological Strategies for Managing Sarcopenia in Chronic Diseases

“…By adopting a healthy lifestyle, individuals can not only control chronic inflammation but also slow down the progression of muscle atrophy simultaneously. 14–16 The Chinese expert consensus on prevention and intervention for the elderly with sarcopenia 5 recommends a combination of aerobic, stretching, balance exercises, and resistance training to improve physical function. Numerous researchers have focused on this approach and conducted exercise rehabilitation studies in patients with various chronic diseases, such as RA, pancreatitis and chronic kidney disease to investigate the impact of different exercise prescriptions on sarcopenia.…”

“…Chinese experts also advocate for the same approach when it comes to domestic patients. 5 Additionally, incorporating aerobic, stretching, and balance exercises can improve physical function. For elderly individuals with chronic diseases, an individualized approach is necessary to address their specific needs.…”

Prevalence of sarcopenia and associated dietary factors among older Chinese adults

“…To date, numerous studies have been carried out to determine the epidemiology of sarcopenia in older Chinese adults. [3][4][5][6][7][8] The prevalence of sarcopenia was characterized by the following: I) sarcopenia occurred frequently in older Chinese people, and the prevalence estimates (8-14% of men vs. 9-12% of women) were comparable with those among Europeans (13% of men vs. 14% of women), even though older non-Asian adults were reported to be more prone to sarcopenia than older Asian adults; 4-6 II) it remains unknown whether gender is independently associated with sarcopenia. Most previous studies indicated that sarcopenia was more common among men than among women.…”

“…A significantly higher prevalence of sarcopenia was found among people of other ethnicities (namely, Tujia ethnicity) than among people of Han ethnicity. 4 Currently, a series of studies have identified that associated factors, such as older age, cigarette smoking, chronic diseases, underweight/malnutrition, and lower physical activity levels, are associated with the incidence of sarcopenia, whereas younger age, no smoking, higher body mass index, and appropriate physical activity are related to its reversibility. 3,4,8 In addition to the above factors, prospective studies have identified that certain nutrients play a pivotal role in affecting the occurrence of sarcopenia with aging.…”

“…4 Currently, a series of studies have identified that associated factors, such as older age, cigarette smoking, chronic diseases, underweight/malnutrition, and lower physical activity levels, are associated with the incidence of sarcopenia, whereas younger age, no smoking, higher body mass index, and appropriate physical activity are related to its reversibility. 3,4,8 In addition to the above factors, prospective studies have identified that certain nutrients play a pivotal role in affecting the occurrence of sarcopenia with aging. First, the importance of protein and vitamin D in relation to skeletal muscle mass and function has been studied, even though the source and dose for the greatest benefit remain unclear.…”