Diagnosis of sarcopenia
European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People(EWGSOP) proposed an operational definition and diagnostic strategyfor sarcopenia. The EWGSOP definition required measurements of muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance for the diagnosis of sarcopenia.
In the journal of Sarcopenia in asia, Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) recommended measuring both muscle strength (handgrip strength) and physical performance (usual gait speed) as the screening test. AWGS also recommends a dynamic approach for sarcopenia research by measuring changes in
- (1) muscle mass, strength, and function
- (2) physical performance
- (3) frailty status
- (4) instrumental activities of daily living, and
- (5) basic activities of daily living over a given period of time.
The International Working Group on Sarcopenia (IWGS) specifiescertain conditions for sarcopenia assessment, including
- (1) noted decline in function, strength, “health”status
- (2) self-reported mobility-related difficulty
- (3) history of recurrent falls
- (4) recent unintentional weight loss (>5%)
- (5) post-hospitalization, and
- (6) other chronic conditions.
All in all, to diagnose sarcopenia must through a combined approach of assessment. Charder aims to offers assessment tools for prediction and diagnosis of sarcopenia.