Utility of SARC-F for Assessing Physical Function in Elderly Patients With Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract

ObjectivesA simple and inexpensive tool for screening of sarcopenia would be helpful for clinicians. The present study was performed to determine whether the SARC-F questionnaire is useful in screening of patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) for impaired physical function. DesignCross-sectional study. SettingSingle university hospital. ParticipantsA total of 235 Japanese patients ≥65 years old admitted to our hospital for CVD. MeasurementsSARC-F, handgrip strength, leg strength, respiratory muscle strength, standing balance, usual gait speed, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score, and 6-minute walking distance were measured before discharge from hospital. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to SARC-F score: SARC-F < 4 (nonsarcopenia group) and SARC-F ≥ 4 (sarcopenia group). ResultsThe sarcopenia prevalence rate was 25.5% and increased with age (P trend < .001). The sarcopenia group (SARC-F score ≥ 4) had significantly lower handgrip strength, leg strength, and respiratory muscle strength, poorer standing balance, slower usual gait speed, lower SPPB score, and shorter 6-minute walking distance compared to the nonsarcopenia group (SARC-F score < 4). Patients in the sarcopenia group had consistently poorer physical function even after adjusting for covariates. ConclusionThe SARC-F questionnaire is a useful screening tool for impaired physical function in elderly CVD patients. These findings support the use of the SARC-F for screening in hospital settings.