165 Improving sarcopenia with a physiotherapy-dietetics sarcopenia management pathway in a post-acute rehabilitation unit

Abstract

Abstract Background Sarcopenia is a progressive and generalised skeletal muscle disorder. The prevalence of sarcopenia in Irish studies ranges from 30 to 41%. The European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) recommends that management of sarcopenia includes optimal protein intake and resistance training. The objectives of this study were to: (1) Implement a structured physiotherapy-dietetics sarcopenia management pathway for older persons identified as severely sarcopenic in a Post-Acute Rehabilitation Unit, to align with the (EWGSOP2) recommendations and (2) Assess the effect of the combination of protein optimisation and progressive resistance training (PRT) in reducing sarcopenia in those identified as severely sarcopenic. Methods Patients admitted to a post-acute rehabilitation unit from January to April 2023 were screened for sarcopenia using Grip strength and the Timed Up & Go test. All patients identified as being severely sarcopenic were referred to dietetics and attended a PRT class three times per week. Results There were 38 participants in this study. 73.7% were screened for sarcopenia on admission. From this, 71.4% were classified as having probable sarcopenia and 50% were identified as having severe sarcopenia. On discharge, 28.6% of participants had their sarcopenia completely reversed and 40% had their sarcopenia reduced from ‘severe’ to ‘probable’. Conclusion The results demonstrate that implementing a structured sarcopenia pathway for older persons in a post-acute rehabilitation unit has a positive effect on sarcopenia.