Evaluation of Pre-Sarcopenia and Sarcopenia in a Well-Nourished Late-Middle-Aged Population: A Feasibility Study of a Registry

Sarcopenia is characterized by weakness of the skeletal muscles. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of sarcopenia and its relationship with dietary intake, socioeconomic status, depression, lifestyle, and physical activity for the first time in a well-nourished over 55 year’s old population. 

This study was conducted on a well-nourished above 55 years old population. The European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People-2 (EWGSOP-2) guideline was used to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia. Muscle mass was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Muscle strength and performance were evaluated using handgrip and gait speed, respectively. The dietary intake, socioeconomic status, psychological health, lifestyle, clinical factors, and physical activity were examined using valid tools. 

A total of 766 well-nourished individuals (mean age=65.14±6.84 years old; male:female ratio= 1:1.99) were evaluated for sarcopenia. The prevalence of pre-, confirmed-, and severe sarcopenia were 23.9%, 1.8%, and 1.3%, respectively. Age was significantly related to sarcopenia (OR=1.096 (95% CI: 1.069-1.124), p<0.001). Females had an increased risk of pre-sarcopenia (OR=2.189 [95% CI: 1.48-3.239], p=0.002), while males were at higher risk of confirmed and severe sarcopenia (OR=15.102 [95% CI: 4.461-51.131], p<0.001). The decision tree model of sarcopenia indicated age as the main predictor for sarcopenia. 

According to EWGSOP-2, the overall prevalence of sarcopenia was 27% among well-nourished almost healthy elderly population. There was a relationship between age and sarcopenia. Females and males were at higher risk of pre-sarcopenia and confirmed and severe sarcopenia; respectively. Further research is strongly suggested to asses pre-sarcopenia.