Prevalence of sarcopenia and associated factors in older adults attending a day hospital service in Ireland

Key summary points Aim The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence and associated factors of sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults attending a day hospital service in Ireland, using the latest European Working Group of Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) guidelines. Findings The prevalence of sarcopenia in older adults attending a day hospital service in Ireland was 27–37% and varied depending on the strength test used. Sarcopenia was associated with older age, female gender, reduced BMI, reduced calf circumference, frailty, malnutrition, and reduced gait speed, irrespective of how muscle strength was assessed. Message Further consideration on the assessment of sarcopenia needs to be considered, regarding the use of muscle strength assessment, whether to assess upper limb, lower limb, or both.
Purpose Sarcopenia is a muscle disease that is linked to the effects of ageing, chronic diseases, physical inactivity, and poor nutrition. In Ireland, there is a lack of readily available information on sarcopenia in older adults. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence and associated factors of sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults attending a day hospital service in Ireland, using the European Working Group of Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) guidelines. Methods An observational cross-sectional study was conducted, where a consecutive series of older adults attending a day hospital service were invited to participate. The measure of primary interest was the diagnosis of sarcopenia using the EWGSOP 2019 guidelines. We also collected other Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment measures including cognition, nutrition, frailty and physical activity. Results A total of 134 participants took part in the study. The mean age was 81.7 (SD ± 7.1). Sixty-one percent (N = 82) were female. The prevalence of sarcopenia ranged from 27 to 37% depending on the assessment tool used to assess muscle strength. Sarcopenia was associated with older age, frailty, reduced nutritional state, poor physical performance and reduced anthropometric measures, irrespective of how muscle strength was measured. Independently associated factors differed depending on muscle strength test, except for older age. Conclusion The prevalence of sarcopenia in the day hospital ranged from 27 to 37%. The assessment tool used to assess muscle strength influenced both the prevalence and associated factors of sarcopenia, suggesting scope for further research.