Adherence to a standardized protocol for measuring grip strength and appropriate cut-off values in adults over 65 years with sarcopenia: a systematic review protocol.

Abstract

REVIEW QUESTION / OBJECTIVE The objective of this review is to examine the use of grip strength analysis in well and unwell populations in adults 65 years and over as a tool to establish muscle strength in sarcopenia. More specifically, the main review question is: What protocol, if any, is most commonly used among older adults with sarcopenia and does this match the standardized protocol suggested in 2011 by Roberts et al.? Secondary review questions are: What are the reported cut-off values being used to determine sarcopenia in older adults, with consideration for ethnic and gender variability? Is grip strength, as a tool to measure muscle strength, suitable for people with common comorbidities and geriatric syndromes, such as osteoarthritis, often associated with sarcopenia? INCLUSION CRITERIA Types of participants Participants will be adults, aged 65 years and over living at home or in health or social care settings with sarcopenia as a prevailing pathology. The setting and whether the participants fulfil specific inclusion criteria or form part of an inclusive screening study will be recorded. Notes will be made for sarcopenia status, comorbidities, gender, ethnicity and other geriatric disorders. Studies across varied diseases and disabilities, including stroke, and musculoskeletal, neuromuscular and cognitive disease will be included in the interest of evaluating the suitability of hand grip assessment in these populations, with reference to the ability to complete protocol, free from pain or other relevant noted issues. While no specific exclusion criteria exist for this review, a comment on TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS