Prevalence of probable sarcopenia in community-dwelling older Swiss people – a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: The European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People has recently defined new criteria for identifying "(probable) sarcopenia" (EWGSOP2). However, the prevalence of probable sarcopenia, defined by these guidelines, has not been determined extensively, especially in the oldest old. This study aims to determine the prevalence of probable sarcopenia in older, community-living people and its association with strength-related determinants. Methods: Handgrip strength and reported determinants (age, height, weight, osteoarthritis of hands, medications, fall history, physical activity, activities of daily living (ADL) and global cognitive function) were collected in a crosssectional study of 219 community-living Swiss people (75 years and over). Probable sarcopenia was estimated based on cutoff values for handgrip strength as recommended by EWGSOP2. Spearman correlations, binary-regression analyses and contingency tables were used to explore relationships between variables. Results: The prevalence of probable sarcopenia in women (n = 137, age 84.1 ± 5.7 years) and men (n = 82, age 82.6 ± 5.2 years) was 26.3 and 28.0%, respectively. In women, probable sarcopenia correlated positively with age and falls (r s range 0.332-0.195, p < .05), and negatively with weight, cognition, physical activity, using stairs regularly, participating in sports activities and ADL performance (r s range = − 0.141-0.409, p < .05). The only significant predictor of probable sarcopenia at the multivariate level was ADL performance (Wald(1) = 5.51, p = .019). In men, probable sarcopenia was positively correlated with age (r s = 0.33, p < .05) and negatively with physical activity, participation in sports and ADL performance (r s range − 0.221-− 0.353, p < .05). ADL performance and age (Wald(1) = 4.46, p = .035 and Wald(1) = 6.30, p = .012) were the only significant predictors at the multivariate level. Men and women with probable sarcopenia were 2.8 times more likely to be dependent in ADL than those without. Conclusion: Probable sarcopenia affected one in every four community-living, oldest old people and was independently associated with impaired ADL performance in both sexes. This highlights the importance of detection of handgrip strength in this age group in clinical practice. Although prospective studies are required, independence in ADL might help to protect against probable sarcopenia.

Socioeconomic Inequality and Risk of Sarcopenia in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

“…This is broadly in agreement with previous studies of probable sarcopenia based on EWGSOP2 guidelines. Some authors, in assessing muscle weakness for probable sarcopenia, used hand grip strength, 9 , 10 while others also included performance on chair rise test. 7 , 8 Wearing et al reported a prevalence of 26.3% and 28.0% for probable sarcopenia in females and males, respectively (n = 219), although this study was conducted in a study population of advanced age (84.1 ± 5.7 years).…”

“… 7 , 8 Wearing et al reported a prevalence of 26.3% and 28.0% for probable sarcopenia in females and males, respectively (n = 219), although this study was conducted in a study population of advanced age (84.1 ± 5.7 years). 10 In an analysis of the Korean Frailty and Ageing Cohort Study (n= 2099, mean age 75.9 ± 4.0 years), 8 24% of participants had probable sarcopenia. While Dodds et al estimated a prevalence of 19% amongst the 1946 British birth cohort aged 69 years (n = 1686).…”

“…Similar to previous studies, probable sarcopenia was defined by hand grip strength; however, future work could include other measures of muscle strength such as chair rise test and application of the Sarc-F screening tool. 9 , 10 Furthermore, future work should seek to actively include those living with socioeconomic disadvantage and ethnic minority populations in research.…”

“…Previous research has described the prevalence as between 19% and 47% amongst community-dwelling older adults, with higher prevalence observed amongst older cohorts. [7][8][9][10] Several risk factors for probable sarcopenia have been identified, which include older age, physical inactivity, osteoarthritis and impaired performance in activities of daily living. 7,9,10 Recent research has shown associations between probable sarcopenia and increased length of stay in hospital, and greater risk of mortality amongst older adult populations.…”

Possible Sarcopenia and Impact of Dual-Task Exercise on Gait Speed, Handgrip Strength, Falls, and Perceived Health

“…It is classified as a disease under the World Health Organization (WHO)'s International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) (3). The prevalence of sarcopenia ranges between 9 and 51%, and probable or possible sarcopenia between 26.3 and 73.3% depending on the case finding approach, population subgroup, and definitions used (4)(5)(6)(7)(8). Aging is a known risk factor for sarcopenia and the number of individuals with sarcopenia is projected to increase by 72.4% in Europe between 2016 and 2045 (9,10).…”