The determination of sarcopenia in older adults using a practical measure

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Chokphukiao, Pakwipa^{a; b; c} | Amatachaya, Sugalya^{a; b; *} | Poncumhak, Puttipong^{b; d; e} | Intaruk, Roongnapa^{b; f} | Thaweewannakij, Thiwabhorn^{a; b} | Somboonporn, Charoonsak^{b; g} | Peungsuwan, Punnee^a | Amatachaya, Pipatana^b | Sooknuan, Thanat^{b; h}

Affiliations: [a] School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand | [b] Improvement of Physical Performance and Quality of Life (IPQ) Research Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand | [c] Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand | [d] Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand | [e] Unit of Excellent of Physical Fitness and Exercise, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand | [f] Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand | [g] Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand | [h] Department of Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Sugalya Amatachaya, School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand. Tel./Fax: +66 4320 2399; E-mail: samata@kku.ac.th.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Many older adults are at risk of sarcopenia, a gradual loss of muscle mass affecting muscle strength and physical function, which can lead to adverse health consequences deteriorating their independence. However, the detection could be delayed due to the requirement of many measures, including a complex imaging modality. Thus, an exploration for a practical community- or home-based measure would be helpful to identify at-risk older adults and begin the timely management. OBJECTIVE: To explore the ability of the upper limb loading during a seated push-up test (ULL-SPUT) to determine the presence of sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: Older adults (n= 110; 62 females, average age approximately 77 years) were cross-sectionally assessed for sarcopenia using standard measures (handgrip strength, appendicular skeletal muscle mass, and walking speed) and the ULL-SPUT. RESULTS: Data from standard measures indicated that 44 participants had sarcopenia. The ULL-SPUT index of < 16.9 kg/m2 for females (sensitivity = 86%, specificity = 78%, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.85) and < 19.7 kg/m2 for males (sensitivity = 73%, specificity = 69%, AUC = 0.83) could optimally identify participants with sarcopenia. CONCLUSION: The ULL-SPUT index could be used to screen and monitor older adults with sarcopenia in various clinical, community, and home settings. This practical measure may be accomplished using a digital bathroom scale on a hard, even surface. Outcomes would identify an adult who should undergo further confirmation of sarcopenia through standard measures or the initiation of timely management to promote treatment effectiveness.

Keywords: Body composition, community health services, frail elderly, muscle strength, health status

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-230143

Journal: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 37, no. 3, pp. 641-649, 2024