Abstract

BackgroundSarcopenia is defined as the age-related loss of muscle mass, strength, and physical performance. The original European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older Persons (EWGSOP1) definition, and its revision (EWGSOP2), provide new cut-points and alternate measures for sarcopenia diagnosis. However, sarcopenia is rarely diagnosed in clinical settings owing to its labor-intensive diagnostic process. Given the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) is a quick, easily administrable, and objective measure of muscle strength and physical performance, both of which are key components of sarcopenia, this study examined the diagnostic value of the SPPB for this muscle disease.MethodsA cross-sectional analysis of 294 community-dwelling older persons (≥65 years) was conducted. Appendicular lean body mass [(ALM) divided by height squared (ALM/h2)], muscle strength (handgrip/sit to stand), and physical performance [gait speed, timed up and go (TUG) and SPPB] were assessed using validated procedures, while participants were diagnosed with sarcopenia following the EWGSOP1 and EWGSOP2 criteria. Diagnostic ability of the SPPB independently and combined with ALM/h2 for sarcopenia was determined using area under the curve (AUC). Potential cut-points were identified, and sensitivity and specificity calculated.ResultsPrevalence of sarcopenia ranged from 4 to 16% depending on the definition. The SPPB demonstrated moderate (AUC = 0.644–0.770) value in diagnosing sarcopenia, and a cut-point of ≤8points in SPPB performance resulted in high sensitivity (82–100%) but low specificity (36–41%) for diagnosing those with severe sarcopenia.ConclusionsThe SPPB displayed acceptable value in diagnosing older adults with severe sarcopenia. Moreover, the high sensitivity of the SPPB when using the cut-point of ≤8 suggests it may be a favorable screening tool for sarcopenia in clinical settings where ALM measurements are not available.

Highlights

  • Sarcopenia is defined as the age-related loss of muscle mass, strength, and physical performance

  • This study focused on those who were classified as having severe sarcopenia and fulfilled the 3 criteria for muscle strength, Appendicular Lean Mass corrected for Height squared (ALM/h2) and physical performance

  • EWGSOP1 and 2 definitions based on handgrip strength, appendicular lean mass (ALM)/h2 and gait speed showed similar prevalence of sarcopenia at 12 and 8%, respectively

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Summary

Introduction

Sarcopenia is defined as the age-related loss of muscle mass, strength, and physical performance. Phu et al BMC Geriatrics (2020) 20:242 points and a screening process beginning with the use of the SARC-F [8] for case finding. With these new cutpoints and alternate assessments, wide variations in prevalence from 5 to 26% have been reported, [9] which hinders the diagnosis and management of older adults at risk. Diagnosing sarcopenia involves assessment of muscle mass, strength, and/or physical performance. Substitute measures are proposed including the sit to stand test (alternate for handgrip strength), the timed up and go (TUG) test, and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) as alternatives for gait speed

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