The Prevalence of Sarcopenia and its Impact on Function In Older Adults In a Rehabilitation Unit

Abstract

Abstract Background Sarcopenia is the leading cause of declining physical functioning and is a significant component of frailty, sharing similar characteristics. It is prevalent among older adults undergoing rehabilitation and is a negative predictor of functional recovery. Methods A retrospective cohort study was undertaken in a Rehabilitation Unit from January to March 2024. Variables included age, gender, mBarthel Index (mBI), Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), hand grip strength and Timed Up and Go (TUG). The European Working Group on Sarcopenia for Older People criteria was utilised to interpret hand grip strength and TUG scores. Results Sixty-four patients, 33 (52%) male and 31 (48%) female were included. The mean age was 78 years (SD = 8.13). Fifty-five (86%) had their grip strength assessed, of which 20 (36%) had probable sarcopenia. Nineteen patients (95%) with probable sarcopenia had a TUG completed with a mean of 59.88 (SD = 28.86) seconds. In the non-sarcopenia group, 33 (94%) had a TUG assessment with a mean of 53.21 (SD = 39.82) seconds. The median CFS was 6 (IQR: 6, 6.5) in the probable sarcopenia group and also 6 (IQR: 5, 7) in the non-sarcopenia group. The median mBI of those with probable sarcopenia was 10 (IQR: 7, 14) compared to 12 (IQR: 8, 14) in the non-sarcopenia group. The probable sarcopenia group was significantly older (mean: 81.7, SD = 7.92) than the non-sarcopenia group (mean: 75.8, SD = 8.05), (P = 0.011). There was no significant difference in the median length of stay (LOS) between the probable sarcopenia group: 29 days (IQR: 24.5, 42.5), and the non-sarcopenia group: 28 days (IQR: 18, 49), (P = 0.51). There was no difference in rate of home discharge between the probable sarcopenia group (80%) and the non-sarcopenia group (82.8%), (P = 1.00). Conclusion Sarcopenia is often overlooked in clinical practice, however, it is reversible with multi-component targeted interventions such as nutritional care and resistance training.