Functional and Clinical Characteristics for Predicting Sarcopenia in Institutionalised Older Adults: Identifying Tools for Clinical Screening

Abstract

Background: Recently, the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) has updated the sarcopenia definition based on objective evaluation of muscle strength, mass and physical performance. The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between sarcopenia and clinical aspects such as functionality, comorbidity, polypharmacy, hospitalisations and falls in order to support sarcopenia screening in institutionalised older adults, as well as to estimate the prevalence of sarcopenia in this population using the EWGSOP2 new algorithm. Methods: A multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted on institutionalised older adults (n = 132, 77.7% female, mean age 82 years). Application of the EWGSOP2 algorithm consisted of the SARC-F questionnaire, handgrip strength (HG), appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Clinical study variables were: Barthel Index (BI), Abbreviated Charlson’s Comorbidity Index (ACCI), number of medications, hospital stays and falls. Results: Age, BI and ACCI were shown to be predictors of the EWGSOP2 sarcopenia definition (Nagelkerke’s R-square = 0.34), highlighting the ACCI. Sarcopenia was more prevalent in older adults aged over 85 (p = 0.005), but no differences were found according to gender (p = 0.512). Conclusion: BI and the ACCI can be considered predictors that guide healthcare professionals in early sarcopenia identification and therapeutic approach.

Sarcopenia, Exercise and Quality of Life

“…This special edition of the Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ( IJERPH ) has brought together eleven research manuscripts [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ] and a brief report [ 12 ]. This special issue, entitled “ Sarcopenia, Exercise and Quality of Life ” gathered 12 manuscripts [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ]; four (33.3%) manuscripts are related to the impact of physical activity concerning sarcopenia [ 4 , 6 , 7 , 10 ]. Two manuscripts were used for the Wii Fit ® games as an intervention tool for physical activity in institutionalized elderly patients [ 4 , 6 ].…”

“…In this special issue, three manuscripts (25%) [ 1 , 2 , 5 ] evaluated modern diagnostic methods of sarcopenia, with the aim of more accurately identifying this pathology. Cebria et al [ 2 ] and Guillamon-Escudero et al [ 5 ] used the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People criteria established in 2019 (EWGSOP2). Both studies aimed to confirm the reliability of EGWSOP2 in populations of institutionalized older adults ( n = 132) (5) and populations attending municipal activity centers for the autonomous elderly ( n = 202) [ 2 ].…”

“…Cebria et al [ 2 ] and Guillamon-Escudero et al [ 5 ] used the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People criteria established in 2019 (EWGSOP2). Both studies aimed to confirm the reliability of EGWSOP2 in populations of institutionalized older adults ( n = 132) (5) and populations attending municipal activity centers for the autonomous elderly ( n = 202) [ 2 ]. The target population is elderly residents in Valencia (Spain) [ 2 , 5 ].…”

“…Both studies aimed to confirm the reliability of EGWSOP2 in populations of institutionalized older adults ( n = 132) (5) and populations attending municipal activity centers for the autonomous elderly ( n = 202) [ 2 ]. The target population is elderly residents in Valencia (Spain) [ 2 , 5 ]. Guillamon-Escudero et al [ 5 ] consider the SARC-F questionnaire, included in EWGSOP2, to be the critical tool for diagnosing 40% of sarcopenia cases in their population.…”

“…Guillamon-Escudero et al [ 5 ] consider the SARC-F questionnaire, included in EWGSOP2, to be the critical tool for diagnosing 40% of sarcopenia cases in their population. Cebria et al [ 2 ] state that the Barthel Index (BI) and Abbreviated Charlson’s Comorbidity Index (ACCI) are the appropriate markers for early diagnosis of sarcopenia. Castillo-Olea et al [ 1 ] use automated practices of clinical sarcopenia diagnosis on 166 elderly patients during six months, evaluating a total of 99 variables.…”