Authors (including presenting author) :
SIN YW2, CHEUNG WH1, TONG MC2, POON WY2
Affiliation :
1 Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong; 2 Physiotherapy Department, Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital
Introduction :
Sarcopenia is age-related generalized, progressive decline of skeletal muscle mass, strength and/or function. Sarcopenia is associated with frailty, fall, hospitalization, and mortality. Early identification presents opportunities for prompt interventions to decelerate and potentially reverse sarcopenia.
Objectives :
1. To investigate the correlation between sarcopenia and physical outcomes in Hong Kong geriatric patients; 2. To establish an optimal cut-off of a simple screening tool for sarcopenia
Methodology :
Fifty-one patients admitted to Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital medical wards from May to December 2022 with “deconditioning”, “decreased mobility”, or “limb weakness” were recruited. The inclusion criteria included age ≥60, oriented and followed commands, and Modified Functional Ambulation Classification ≥V. The exclusion criteria included metal or electronic implant, marked orthopaedic or neurovascular, unstable cardiovascular, uncontrolled psychological, or palliative conditions. Outcome measurements were done within first two weeks of hospitalization. Primary outcomes included Elderly Mobility Scale (EMS), 30-seconds Sit-to-Stand (30s STS), and Timed Up-and-Go (TUG). Secondary outcomes included SARC-F, appendicular skeletal muscle mass index, handgrip strength, isometric quadriceps strength, and 6-meters Walk Test. Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 diagnostic algorithm was adopted.
Result & Outcome :
Quadriceps strength (p=0.018, OR=0.699, 95%C.I.=0.521-0.940, Nagelkerke R Square=0.577) and 30s STS (p=0.033, OR=0.604, 95%C.I.=0.381-0.959, Nagelkerke R Square=0.573) were significant predictors for sarcopenia in logistic regression models adjusted for age and gender. TUG was a significant predictor (p=0.022, OR=1.834, 95%C.I.=1.093–3.077, Nagelkerke R Square=0.560) in the model adjusted for gender. Quadriceps strength with cut-off (15.5 kilogram-force) had excellent accuracy (0.855), moderate sensitivity (0.829), and moderate specificity (0.800). 30s STS with cut-off (10 repetitions) had excellent accuracy (0.871), moderate sensitivity (0.805), and moderate specificity. TUG with cut-off (14.0 seconds) had excellent accuracy (0.868), moderate sensitivity (0.732), and high specificity (0.900).
