Prevalence of and interventions for sarcopenia in ageing adults: a systematic review. Report of the International Sarcopenia Initiative (EWGSOP and IWGS)

Abstract

Objective: to examine the clinical evidence reporting the prevalence of sarcopenia and the effect of nutrition and exercise interventions from studies using the consensus definition of sarcopenia proposed by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP).Methods: PubMed and Dialog databases were searched (January 2000–October 2013) using pre-defined search terms. Prevalence studies and intervention studies investigating muscle mass plus strength or function outcome measures using the EWGSOP definition of sarcopenia, in well-defined populations of adults aged ≥50 years were selected.Results: prevalence of sarcopenia was, with regional and age-related variations, 1–29% in community-dwelling populations, 14–33% in long-term care populations and 10% in the only acute hospital-care population examined. Moderate quality evidence suggests that exercise interventions improve muscle strength and physical performance. The results of nutrition interventions are equivocal due to the low number of studies and heterogeneous study design. Essential amino acid (EAA) supplements, including ∼2.5 g of leucine, and β-hydroxy β-methylbutyric acid (HMB) supplements, show some effects in improving muscle mass and function parameters. Protein supplements have not shown consistent benefits on muscle mass and function.Conclusion: prevalence of sarcopenia is substantial in most geriatric settings. Well-designed, standardised studies evaluating exercise or nutrition interventions are needed before treatment guidelines can be developed. Physicians should screen for sarcopenia in both community and geriatric settings, with diagnosis based on muscle mass and function. Supervised resistance exercise is recommended for individuals with sarcopenia. EAA (with leucine) and HMB may improve muscle outcomes.

Running‐wheel activity delays mitochondrial respiratory flux decline in aging mouse muscle via a post‐transcriptional mechanism

“…It is estimated that up to 33% of elderly people suffer from age‐related muscle loss, the exact number depending on age and regional variation (Cruz‐Jentoft et al., 2014). Loss of muscle mass and strength can eventually lead to frailty and reduced quality of life in elderly people.…”

“…The most effective strategy to slow down muscle decline is physical exercise. More specifically, resistance training, characterized by short‐duration and high‐intensity bouts, is the most effective way to counteract loss of muscle mass (Cartee, Hepple, Bamman, & Zierath, 2016; Cruz‐Jentoft et al., 2014; Joseph, Adhihetty, & Leeuwenburgh, 2015). The loss of muscle strength, however, proceeds much faster than the loss of muscle mass (Goodpaster et al., 2006).…”

Sex-specific differences in risk factors for sarcopenia amongst community-dwelling older adults

“…There is emerging evidence for sarcopenia being a multi-factorial process, driven by hormonal alterations, nutritional factors, inflammation and disease states (Cruz-Jentoft et al 2014;Landi et al 2012). Myostatin, a member of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily, has also received attention for its role as an inhibitor of skeletal muscle growth and satellite cell proliferation (Trendelenburg et al 2009).…”

Age-related decline in muscle mass and muscle function in Flemish Caucasians: a 10-year follow-up

“…This condition is characterized by a progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and its action generating capacity-also termed muscle function-and implies a risk of adverse outcomes such as fall-related injuries and impaired quality of life (Campbell et al 1989;Cruz-Jentoft et al 2010;Rizzoli et al 2013). In addition, it is estimated that the prevalence of sarcopenia is approximately 1-33 % in the community (both genders combined) and that this prevalence increases in older populations (Cruz-Jentoft et al 2014). However, the onset of sarcopenia occurs at an earlier phase, so it is important to understand how muscle characteristics change over the adult life span.…”